Distributing SQL 2005

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alexdresko
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Posts: 336
Joined: 08-Jun-2004
# Posted on: 20-Mar-2006 20:06:06   

Does anyone here have experience installing SQL 2005 Express from within another installation?

Since SQL 2005 Express is supposed to replace MSDE, one might think MS would make it just as easy to nest a SQL 2005 Express installation within another installation as does frequently happen with software that uses MSDE. Based on my experiences trying to get it to work over the past two weeks, I think I can safely say that isn't so. You can't import a SQL 2005 Express merge module into your installation because one doesn't exist. You can't fire off SQLEXPR.EXE (the compressed installation utility) because the Windows Installer Service complains that another installation is already in progress. If you extra sqlexpr.exe and try to fire off the nested MSI files within it, Windows Installer has some kind of problem dealing with short file names.

I'm quite frustrated and tired of dealing with this. For now, my users will be required to install SQL manually before they install my software.

jtgooding
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Posts: 126
Joined: 26-Apr-2004
# Posted on: 20-Mar-2006 21:00:19   

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnsse/html/EmSQLExCustApp.asp

It's not a simple point and click but here is how I have done it.

John