InstantForum.NET v2.9.0SQLServerCentralhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/notifications@sqlservercentral.comTue, 18 Jun 2013 23:41:16 GMT20http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1364476-1550-1.aspxI am investigating the most efficient way to acheive a SQL Server 2008 Express with Tools starting from a clean OS and hopefully this will avoid asking customers to run multiple SQL Server installation packages - which are far from a 2-click process.Existing setup:Base Install: Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Express with Tools installed : SQLEXPRWT_x86_ENU.exe: 10.00.1600.22Sp2 applied: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 2: SQLServer2008SP2-KB2285068-x86-ENU.exe: 10.00.4000.00Sp3:Using: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 SP3 Express Edition: SQLEXPR32_x86_ENU.exe : 10.00.5500.00: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=27597I have found that:# this SP3 can actually be a standalone installer, ie it does not require the base installation of Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Express.# It does not contain the Tools, ie SSMS and this is an issue.So my queries are:# Is it ok to simply start with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 SP3 Express Edition ?# How can I then install the tools (I did try installing Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Express with Tools post SP3 and selected tools only, the installer progressed ok then simply stalled 3/4 of the way through and ultimately failed ?# When/why did Microsoft start using service packs that are full installers ?Notes:# I have looked at Microsoft SQL Server Express 2012, but we still have some XP customers and XP is not compatible.thanks for reading this, any help appreciated.Wed, 26 Sep 2012 01:24:48 GMTBrian_5623