Problem / Solution
The SQL Server Reporting Services RS.EXE utility is a command line utility that can perform many scripted operations related to SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). In this video tip we cover using the tool to export a report from the ReportServer to local directory in way similar to the Subscription functionality.
The utility has two required arguments:
- -i : denotes the input file, including the full or relative path, which will be run by RS.exe. This file must be written in Visual Basic .Net code and must have an rss extension
- -s : denotes the SSRS server URL, such as http://myserver/ReportServer or https://myserver/ReportServer. The http:// or https:// prefix is optional.
Additional arguments can be passed to the utility at runtime including the “-v” argument which allows variables to be passed to the script.
The RS.exe program is generally found in the default installation directory: Tools> Binn directory; for my SQL Server 2012 installation the file was located in: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\110\Tools\Binn.
Key Learning Items
- How to use the RS.EXE utility for SSRS
- Using RS.EXE to export SQL Server Reporting Services reports
- Using RS.EXE to run and save report as an Excel format
- Using RS.EXE to run and save report as a PDF document
Read Companion Tip
I have a passion for crafting Business Intelligence Solutions for my user groups. My experience includes almost 15 years of SQL Server involvement with the last 12 years focused specifically on Business Intelligence, SharePoint, OLAP, SSRS, and Decision Support solutions. Currently, I am a Business Intelligence Architect in the healthcare industry, and I also teach database and analytics classes for Kennesaw State University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Reinhardt University. My education includes an MBA and an undergraduate in Accounting (yes I am a reformed accountant!), both from Kennesaw State University. I enjoy every day by trying to grow my faith and spend precious time with my family. I have been happily married to my wife of over 20 years, and we have two teenagers one who we home school with the help of a University Model School, Cornerstone Prep in Acworth, GA (cornerstoneprep.org). Our other child is a Construction Management major at KSU’s Southern Poly / Marietta campus. We are a soccer and Cross Country (XC) family who play, coach, and referee soccer or run for fun most every day. For several years, our family has volunteered (and played with the dogs and cats) at Etowah Valley Humane Society in Cartersville, GA.
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