System.Data.SqlClient.SqlError: Exclusive access could not be obtained because the database is in use. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.Smo)

I got this error while i was trying to restore SSP SQL Backp from source farm to new target farm SSP DB. Obviously DB by used by different processes which caused this error.

I did following steps to get it working( Make sure you can afford SQL DB outage during the restore )

1) Run the following SQL Query on SSP DB

USE master
GO

ALTER DATABASE   YOUR_SSP_DB_NAME
SET OFFLINE WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE

2) Perform SQL Restore from Backup

3)
ALTER DATABASE    YOUR_SSP_DB_NAME
SET ONLINE


Thats It .

This process is much simpler than the Central Administration Restore process. For some weird reasons i kept on getting errors while trying with Central Administration console .

Downloadable content for Sharepoint

Handy articles :

SharePoint 2010

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc262788(office.14).aspx

SharePoint 2007

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc262788.aspx

Working with List Items MOSS 2007

Very good tool if you want to work with list items without using the web UI .

http://splistitemeditor.codeplex.com/

Content Query Web Part : Master of all OOB webpart

If you are looking for formatting sharepoint content as far as your imagination goes , you have to explore master of all OOB webpart "Content Query Web Part"

Customization Sample :
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb447557.aspx

This is one of the most powerful webpart but still SharePointers avoid it's usage due to its complex looking .xsl language . Fact is that once you understand XSL then this webpart will become common in your websites.

The site collection could not be restored. Please make sure the content databases are available and have sufficient free space

"The site collection could not be restored. Please make sure the content databases are available and have sufficient free space "
Follow this article in case you bump on to above error :
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/926061