SQL Server 2008 Express
Installing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express was an interesting experience. After downloading it, the software patched and rebooted my Microsoft Vista machine 4 times before beginning the installation. Once started, it only took 55 minutes and 37 seconds to install it.
Firewall Steps ↓
There are a few firewall steps that you need to perform before the installtion.
You should navigate to the Control Panel and open the Firewall dialog screen. These shots are taken based on Microsoft Vista Professional Edition. You should see a Firewall dialog like the following:
Click the Allow a program through Window Firewall link in the left hand side column. You’ll be taken to the following screen, where you should choose the Exceptions tab.
You can open ports by clicking on the Add port… button. It should take you to the following dialog.
You should open the relevant ports from the following table that are appropriate for your environment before beginning the installation.
| Port # | Purpose |
| 1433 | This is the default SQL Server port TCP connection. Since it appears you can’t deploy a named instance with SQL Server 2008 Expresss edition, this is the port you’ll need to open. |
| 1434 | This is the default SQL Server port UDP connection. It serves to provide the SQL Server browser service. |
| 135 | This is the Transact-SQL (T-SQL) debugger port, and it is only useful when using the Visual Studio. |
After you’ve opened the appropriate port, you can begin the installation.
SQL Server 2008 Express Installation
Here are the steps if you’re interested in installing it.
After you download the file, you’ll need to launch the program from the following dialog. Click the Run button to continue.
The next screen requests you accept the license agreement. Please make sure you do that or you could run into trouble later on if you violate the EULA. Click the Accept button to continue.
The installation will start and then you get to wait. It is at this point that the installer will examine and patch your operating system. While you think you’re up-to-date, you’ll probably see a couple patches applied before the real installation starts.
After you start the installation, you’ll see this dialog. It’ll even reappear after completing the install, and ultimately you may need to click the Cancel button. You don’t have to worry at that point because it’ll be installed.
After you’ve started, this is the dialog you’ll get after applying operating system patches. You’ve really no choice but to reboot if you want to install SQL Server 2008 Express successfully.
This is the first installation screen. Make sure you select the correct version of SQL Server 2008 Express. Typically, you’ll want the one with Advanced Services. Click the appropriate radio button, and then the Install button.
When you see this dialog, you’re installation has truly begun. Don’t click the Cancel button now.
The file extraction takes several minutes. Have something ready while you wait or take a break.
After the file extraction, you’ll see the SQL Server 2008 Setup Support Rules dialog. Click the OK button to continue.
You only get a choice on this dialog if you’re installing the full version. Choose Next to continue.
Check the I accept the license terms box, and then the Next button to continue.
All the rest was plumbing. Now you start the SQL Server 2008 installation. Click the Install button to continue.
You’ll see this for a few minutes before you’re prompted to continue.
You should get all check marks but a lot of folks forget to open the firewall ports. If you forgot, this is what you’ll get as output. Return to the top of the post and open the required ports before continuing. When you’ve opened the ports, click the Next button to continue.
You’ll get this prompt only when you failed to open the ports before beginning the installation. Click the OK button to continue.
The Feature Selection dialog is important. You should probably make the same choices as shown if you’re deploying a development machine. That’s really all you’d want to do with SQL Server 2008 Express edition. Click the Next button to continue.
Now you accept the installation of SQLExpress as the named instance by clicking the Next button.
Now you accept the 1,446 MB space requirement by clicking the Next button.
The account name must be an authorized user account defined by the operating system or left blank. If you want to set it up for local system authentication against Operating System accounts, you must select from the list of values. If you want to provide credentials manually, leave it blank! Click the Next button to continue.
The easiest way to enter a valid credential is to click the Add Current User button. It’ll load it right where you see authorized user in the screen shot. Click Next to continue.
Choose which pieces of information you’d like to send. Not checking anything is also an option. Click Next button to continue.
Now the install will check if everything works before attempting it with the rules you’ve entered. Click the Next button to continue.
After verifying the installation is possible, you’ll see what you’re installing before you click the third Install button to continue.
It is now time for another break while SQL Server 2008 Express edition installs.
If you arrive at the next screen, SQL Server 2008 Express is installed.
Now you’ll see the final installation dialog and the link to the installation log file.
Now the final prompt before configuration. Yes, you must now reboot the system again.
You’ve now installed SQL Server 2008 Express. However, if you want to use the command line client tool, sqlcmd.exe, there’s more work. I posted those steps in this other blog entry.
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