SQL Server Express is the free edition of the popular relational database SQL Server. I want to install this MS SQL Server 2008 on my Windows 7 computer because I need it to be used as the back end database for my Datashed software. I want to show you how to install Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition 2008 on Windows 7.
A. Download MS SQL Server Express 2008
First, you will need to download the setup file for MS SQL Server Express 2008. Navigate to this official download page for SQL Server Express 2008.
B. Install SQL Server Express 2008
Double click the setup file you just downloaded and follow on screen install wizard. On the first wizard page, please review your planning and then click Installation from the left menu.
Next click New SQL Server stand alone installation or add features to existing installation.
The installer will check Setup Support Rules. Make sure all passed. Press OK to continue
Since this is the free edition, you don’t have to worry about product key. Pressing Next button would be fine.
Accept the license term.
When ready, press Install. The installer will check your system. Make sure your system meet the requirements.
Select the feature you want to install. Also you can specify the shared feature directory
Create a new database instance. Change the instance name as desired
Make sure you have enough room to install SQL Server
Configure the Server. You must choose username and password for the SQL Server
Next select account provisioning. Make sure you add at least one administrator. Go to Data directories tab to specify the SQL Server data directories.
Error and Usage Reporting. You can send error report to Windows if you want. Press Next to continue.
Installation Rules check
Verifying the installation
Press install to start the installation.
When the installation finished, you should see the following page.
Now reboot the computer to complete the installation.