Some tips on SSMS Express Edition setup

AaronBertrand — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:38:00 GMT

I posted earlier that the Express Edition of Management Studio for SQL Server 2008 R2 (November CTP) is now available for download.

During the first few pages in the setup wizard, I was certain that I had either downloaded the wrong version of the CTP, or else had launched the wrong one by mistake. So, I thought it might be useful to share a few of my experiences that were confusing during this process.

When you launch the setup for SSMSE (either SQLManagementStudio_x64_ENU.exe or SQLManagementStudio_x86_ENU.exe), you get what feels like the *full* SQL Server setup. On the initial screen, you choose "New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation." Then you pick "Perform a new installation of SQL Server 2008" (click to enlarge):

When you hit Next, you get this screen, which certainly makes it seem like you are installing an Engine instance (click to enlarge):

But then you finally see this screen, which makes everything all right (again, click to enlarge):

As a side note, ake a look at the first screen shot. See the window that's open in the background? That's the Installation Center; DO NOT CLOSE IT until setup is complete. For some reason, the installation process you launch from this window is tied to a temporary folder, and if you close the Installation Center window, the temporary folder gets deleted (even though the setup program is not finished using it). This will lead to the following error (note that yours will have a different value for the file, since your path will be based on a different GUID):

Actually this last item is an issue of all editions of SQL Server setup, including 2008 RTM and even service pack installations. I complained about it here, but to no avail so far:

Connect #388671 : Installation Center must stay open throughout setup

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Some tips on SSMS Express Edition setup