an overview of SSAS, you should this if you want to be a developer...

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175609(v=sql.90).aspx

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms145506.aspx

Anything labeled 'Jr. DBA' is usually entry level. I would strat by frequenting this blog and getting familiar with SQL server. Also, you can try to volunteer, (if time...

Pretty certain they will not certify if you are using VMware, but will if you are using virtual pc.

is this a dev environment ? Are you using VMWare ? if so, you could restore a snapshot if you have one & the current data is not critical

look at...

do you have a .bak you can restore to ? .... Nevermind, just saw #5.

Also check and makes sure all HDs associated with SQL server are not full.

I would also check to see if there are scheduled jobs running in SQL Server Agent, perhaps there are some overlapping jobs or a job is running during a time...

Yes, Life is to short to have a crappy job!

I have always installed it with the other components of SQL Server (SSMS, SSAS, & SSIS) and seen no problems. But it ultimately depends on your hardware specs and your...

yes or '.'

I assume you are doing this in SSMS? Did you try with both Windows and SQL server authentication ?

Yes, check add/remove programs again to see if anything is left over & if the service is still there. Also, check to see if there is still folders for SQL...

I would check VMware or whatever SAN you are using website for thelp on this.

Are you on a domain ? Is so, trying making associated user domain admin, can you connect to SSRS via SSMS ? Is SSRS service started ?

I have used Acronis with success. I think they have a bare bones version as freeware, but could be wrong...

http://www.acronis.com/