[BobLewiston]

I installed SQL Server 2008 Express, basic edition (SQLEXPR32_x86_ENU_Bootstrapper.exe, version 9.0.30729.1) without any problem.

Then I attempted to install AdventureWorks Sample Databases for SQL Server 2008 (SQL2008.AdventureWorks_All_Databases.x86.msi). This attempt failed because SQL Server 2008 Express, basic edition doesn’t support Full-text Search, which AdventureWorks requires.

So I uninstalled SQL Server 2008 Express, basic edition and attempted to install SQL Server 2008 Express with Advanced Services (SQLEXPRADV_x86_ENU.exe,version 10.00.1600.22), which does support Full-text Search. This attempt failed because the installer demands an account number and password, which I don’t have.

Bear in mind, all Express versions of SQL Server are free from Microsoft, and I obtained my copy directly from Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/express/sql/download).

Moreover, although during the course of the installation a Product Key window appears, in which a user might have under different circumstances be intended to enter a registration key, in this version of the software this is clearly not intended. I say this because not only is the radio button labeled “Specify a free edition” selected (with the associated drop-down menu showing “Express with Advanced Services”), and the other associated radio button labeled “Enter the product key” is left unselected, but also this entire group of WinForm controls is rendered inactive.

Incidentally, I also tried to add Full-text Search capability to my original installation of SQL Server 2008 Express, basic edition via it’s Configuration Manager, but the Manager showed (wrongly) that this capability was already installed and was unable to implement this capability.

So: what do I do now?

[office politics]

you can install full blown SQL on a computer for free for 180 days. typically used in classroom settings.

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2...-software.aspx

[BobLewiston]

I tried SQL Server 2008 Enterprise 180-day evaluation version - same result.

[office politics]

i would think the sample database would install automatically.

How to: Install SQL Server 2008 (Setup)

How to: Install SQL Server 2008 (Setup)

The SQL Server Installation Wizard provides a single feature tree for installation of all SQL Server components so that you do not have to install the following components individually:

Database Engine

Analysis Services

Reporting Services

Integration Services

Replication

Management tools

Connectivity components

Sample databases, samples, and SQL Server Books Online

[BobLewiston]

office politics:

Perhaps the sample database would install automatically if the overall installation was successful, but it hasn't been, that's just the problem.

Thanks for the link "How to: Install SQL Server 2008 (Setup)", but it's literally just a walk through the installation process which, like virtually all installation processes, is self-guided anyway.

I think maybe what I need is a specialist at this type of thing. Do you (or does anyone) know anyplace on the net where such specialized knowledge might be found?

[office politics]

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition Virtual Appliance | Virtual Appliance Marketplace

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition Virtual Appliance

Features
A Pre-configured Virtual Machine:
This download comes as a pre-configured VHD. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 is a comprehensive, integrated, end-to-end data solution that empowers your people by providing a more secure, reliable, and productive platform for enterprise data and BI applications.

The files offered on Microsoft's site my be downloaded, extracted and opened with VMware virtualization products (no need to install MS Virtual Server). Simply open the .VMC file and VMware Workstation, Server, or Player will start the virtual machine for you.

[office politics]

these people are the experts on sql

Discussions - microsoft.public.sqlserver.server | Google Groups

[Nagasama]

lemme shoot Mak a PM.

[Mak213]

Let me ask this. Do you meet all the requirements listed on the download page?

Step 1: Download and install Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5 SP1.

Step 2 Download and install Windows Installer 4.5.
.
Step 3 Download and install Windows PowerShell 1.0.

Did you do those 3 steps? If not this could very well be why the installer of Express with Advanced Options is not working for you.

[BobLewiston]

Thanks everybody (especially office politics) for your attention. It turned out that the account name and password it wanted were simply that of my Windows account. You'd think the Setup program would have stated that explicitly, but oh well. Don't feel bad you didn't guess that; people in 15 forums over 3 days didn't figure it out either.