SQL Server Setup

How to Install SQL Server 2008 R2 (Express Edition) – November CTP

Overview:

With the release of the SQL Server 2008 R2 November CTP, we have simplified the SQL Server Express (all editions and package) installation process.  In this release, we have completed the following:

1. Reduced the number of clicks by 50% when performing an install.
2. All inputs are defaulted on Vista and above operating systems.  (many inputs are defaults on Windows XP and Windows 2003, except for the service accounts)
3. Skip (auto advance) through the UI, meaning non-essential dialogs will still be skipped.
4. Reduced the size of the Express basic package

 

For more detailed information on the SQL Server Express release, see: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c772467d-e45b-43e1-9208-2c7b663d7ad1&displaylang=en 

 

The primary SQL Server Express downloads:

• Express Base/Core (Includes the Database Engine without management tools)
  • SQLEXPR32_x86 Executable <== Select this option if your system is 32-bit
  • SQLEXPR_X64 Executable <== Select this option if your system is 64-bit

 

• Express Advanced (Includes the Database Engine, Reporting Services, and management Tools)
  • SQLEXPRADV_x86 Executable <== Select this option if your system is 32-bit
  • SQLEXPRADV_X64 Executable <== Select this option if your system is 64-bit

 

1. Launch the package, you will then see the contents extracted to a temporary location.

 

2. SQL Server Setup checks to determine pre-reqs are installed. If not, you will be prompted to install.

 

3. The Installation Center will then launch. Click on “New installation or add feature to an existing installation” to start the Installation Wizard.

 

4. Accept the license terms.

 

5. Review the features to installed and where SQL Server will be installed. Make any changes that are necessary for your environment.

 

6. Review the Instance Name and change if necessary.

 

7. Review the credentials that will be used for the services that will be created. 

 

8. Review the Authentication Mode and the administrators that will be added to the Database Engine.

 

9. Review the Error Reporting settings. We encourage you to keep this option checked, as we review the product feedback on an ongoing basic.  This helps us to continually improve SQL Server.

 

10. That’s it!

 

Support/Feedback

If you have further questions or feedback, you have a few options:

• Submit feedback through the SQL Server connect site: http://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer  (This is the preferred option, if you have an installation failure)
• Make a comment about this post below.  I will answer as many questions as possible.
• MSDN: http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/sqlserver/