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Choosing a version of SQL Server 2005 Express (Updated for Visual Studio Beta 2)

As many people who have used SQL Server 2005 Express in its various beta and Community Technology Preview versions will know, there have been many problems with installation, uninstallation and moving from one release to another. As I write this I am downloading Visual Studio 2005 Beta 2. I hope that April CTP of SQL Server 2005 and of SQL Server 2005 Express will be available very soon now.

First I will suggest what I think are sensible moves for those with no previous SQL Server Express install on their test machine (at least since last operating system install). And in the later part of this post I will make suggestions for those who have had a Community Technology Preview or SQL Express Beta 2 installed.

The suggestions cover common choices. They likely won't cover every possible scenario or combination of software.

You MUST have compatible versions of your chosen components. Key choices relate to the version of .NET Framework version 2.0, SQL Server 2005 Express, Visual Studio 2005 and Express Manager. IF YOU DON'T HAVE COMPATIBLE COMPONENTS INSTALLATION WILL FAIL!

If you attempt to install non-matching versions of these key components there is a good chance you will get in a time-consuming mess. So, make SURE you get compatible versions BEFORE you install.

For background to some version issues, see my post Choosing a version of SQL Server 2005 Express .

So, here are my current suggested approaches, in an attempt to minimise uninstall and install problems for users.

If you have had no previous install of SQL Server Express

• If you want to use Visual Studio with SQL Express - Use the version of SQL Express that comes with Visual Studio. The correct version of the .NET Framework 2.0 will also be installed during Visual Studio install.
• If you want to use SQL Express with Express Manager - Make sure that you download the matching versions of .NET Framework 2.0, SQL Express 2005 and Express Manager. BEFORE installing check the Properties of the downloads to be sure you have matching versions!

If you have previously installed SQL Server Express

• If you have the option to wipe the hard drive, format it and reinstall the operating system, then do that. It minimises the chances of carry over of components or settings from earlier installs. Yes, I expect uninstall advice supplied with downloads to improve but a clean install avoids a whole class of potential install problems. If you have that option I would STRONGLY recommend it.
• If it's not practical for you to wipe the hard drive then BEFORE you uninstall and reinstall do the reading. This time round Microsoft will hopefully make CTPNotes.mht available to all SQL Express users. That document describes the safest way to uninstall. READ the document CAREFULLY. That takes time but less time than a failed uninstall. Read the instructions carefully and follow the steps in the order described. Hopefully that will remove all residues of the previous install. Then follow the suggestions for clean install earlier in this post, depending on how you want to use SQL Server Express.

Good luck!