Here you are, just trying to get some work done by connecting to a SQL Azure instance using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (hereafter “SSMS”) 2008. But instead of a connection, all you get is a line of Microsoft free verse:

Invalid object name 'sys.configurations'. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 208)

Googling around for help returns several instances of the same solution, that has you start by clicking the “New Query” button.  With this workaround, however, you lose the helpful hierarchical DB browser in the left pane of the window.

A better solution is to install (deep breath first) Microsoft SQL Server Server 2008 R2 RTM – Management Studio Express.  MSSSR2RMSE works with SQL Azure, the only catch is that if you choose the “Upgrade” option in the installer, your SSMS won’t be… upgraded.  Instead, you want the “New Installation or Add Features” option.  From there, you just accept the legalese, make sure “Management Tools – Basic” is selected (which it should be by default), decide whether or not to allow diagnostic info to be sent, and then leave the installer to its work.  When it’s done, you’ll find that your old SSMS has been updated to 2008 R2, no need to create new shortcuts, etc.

I should note that I followed the “upgrade” path first, which did seem to be doing something, to the point of even requiring a restart.  If you follow these instructions to skip straight to the “New Installation” and things aren’t working, try running the “upgrade”.  If it looks like the upgrade procedure is a necessary first step, please let me know, and I’ll update this post.