Upgrading SQL Server 2008 Express to Service Pack 3

• Brian_5623

  SSC Veteran

  Points: 264

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  September 26, 2012 at 1:24 am

  #282115

  I 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: 10.00.1600.22

  Sp2 applied: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 2: SQLServer2008SP2-KB2285068-x86-ENU.exe: 10.00.4000.00

  Sp3:

  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=27597

  I 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.