SQL Express 2008 SP1 Please help, I am thoroughly confused

Question

I downloaded and installed Visual Studio 2010 Beta 2, which included SQL Server Express 2008.

I wanted to begin working with databases, so I downloaded SQL Server Management Studio for SQL Server Express 2008.

I tried to install the management studio, but received a message about the program not being compatible with my version of Windows, Windows 7. It recommended that I upgrade SQL Server Express 2008 to SP1. Okay...that sounds reasonable.

I downloaded the service pack.

BUT every time I try to install it, it unpacks the files and then just brings up "SQL Server Installation Center". It gives absolutely no indication of any error, and it gives no indication of any kind of status...success or failure. And I have double checked - I do have the right version of the SP.

SQL Server Installation Center? Just looking around in there I see no options that will help me install my service pack. And I'm pretty sure it didn't already install, because the installation for SQL Management Studio is still telling me to update my SQL Server Express 2008 to SP1.

What in the world has Microsoft done? Remember the good ole days when you downloaded a service pack, ran it, and it installed?

Guys what am I doing wrong here? How can make the service pack install?

TIA

Answer 1

Hello,

To install SSMS, please go to MS Web Platform Installer > Web Platform (Tab) > Database (Customize) > Check SQL Server 2008 Management Studio Express

See the following thread:

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/setupprerelease/thread/2d3b0ebf-4bbe-4a74-908f-ac600788fc0f

Regards,

Alberto Morillo
SQLCoffee.com

Answer 2

VS 2010 Beta 2 already has SQL Express 2008 SP1 installed. I just went through the same scenario and you can just click "Run Program" when you get the Windows 7 compatibility issue warning. The install takes some time through Web Platform Installer, but I just tested it out and it's working fine on my Windows 7 Ultimate x86 install w/ Visual Studio 2010 Btea 2.

Hope that helps.