SQL server 2008 express installation media with Visual Studio 2010 beta 2

Question

Hi all,

SQL server 2008 Express was installed on my Windows 7 Ultimate system as part of VS 2010 professional beta2.

I had a look at the configuration utilities  and the SQL Server Installation Center...and the latter keeps asking for the installation media...so, if I would want to make changes later (advanced services perhaps, AdventureWorks for example (no pun intended) seems to require some special settings according to the download info), there would be problem.

Because this was installed as part of Visual Studio, I do not have a dedicated SSE disc or setup directory...and I'm not sure what to do...is this a special version of SSE 2008 for VS 2010? Does it install support files and if so, where? If not, how do I set them up for Installation Center myself?

Would it be better to uninstall this instance and install anew from scratch using the regular SSE 2009 download (VS 2010 installs it in a default manner, no questions asked) or would I lose some kind of VS2010 integration if I do that?

Sorry for all this noob stuff, hope someone can help me out...

Thanks,
Martijn

EDIT/P.S.
I have seen another thread on this problem but that didn't provide an answer, indicating compatibility issues instead.
There were no problems during installation. All installation tasks were reported complete and succesful, and I was able to connect to the instance and create a small test database using the VS2010 Server Explorer, so I do not think a faulty installation is causing this issue.
 

Answer 1

Hello,

To customize your SQL Server, 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

Thanks, Alberto

I installed the Web Platform Installer and Management Studio Express.
I still do not have a setup directory, though - the setups all generated a temporary setup directory that was removed silently after they finished. I did not see any way to change this.
So the Installer Center still will not work as intended...Also, I'm afraid that I may run into problems uninstalling SSE later, with the uninstaller asking for the setup media...(uninstalling for a new version, or the full version of SQL server).
Is there a workaround? Perhaps reinstalling and aborting the installation just after it has unpacked the files perhaps?

Regards,
Martijn

Answer 3

Hello,

If you can copy the DVD to your hard drive, and install from there, VS won’t ask for the media again. Leave the copy of VS on your hard drive after finishing installation.

The following article is proposing the same idea for network installation of VS to many licensed machines:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee225237(VS.100).aspx

Regards,

Alberto Morillo
SQLCoffee.com

Answer 4

Thanks!

I will look into that.

Regards,
Martijn