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Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Express



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SQL Server 2008 Express is a free edition of SQL Server that is an ideal data platform for learning and building desktop and small server applications, and for redistribution by ISVs.
Quick detailsVersion: 10.00.1600.22 Date published: 2/8/2009
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Files in this download

The links in this section correspond to files available for this download. Download the files appropriate for you.File name Size
SQLEXPR_x64_ENU.exe 82.5 MB Download
SQLEXPR_x86_ENU.exe 89.1 MB Download
SQLEXPR32_x86_ENU.exe 61.1 MB Download

Overview

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express is a powerful and reliable data management system that delivers a rich set of features, data protection, and performance for embedded application clients, light Web applications, and local data stores. Designed for easy deployment and rapid prototyping, SQL Server 2008 Express is available at no cost, and you are free to redistribute it with applications. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with your other server infrastructure investments. For more information about SQL Server Express, including other versions and downloadable components now available, see Microsoft SQL Server Express.

For information about the different editions of SQL Server 2008, see the Editions page.
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System requirements

Supported operating systems: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows XP Service Pack 3

32-Bit Systems: Computer with Intel or compatible 1GHz or faster processor (2 GHz or faster is recommended. Only a single processor is supported)
64-Bit Systems: 1.4 GHz or higher processor (2 GHz or faster is recommended. Only a single processor is supported)
Minimum of 256 MB of RAM (1 GB or more is recommended)
1 GB of free hard disk space

Connecting to Visual Studio 2005 requires downloading and installing Visual Studio 2005 Support for SQL Server 2008, Community Technology Preview.

Please read important information in the Release Notes before installing SQL Server 2008 with Visual Studio 2008.

To learn more about what is required to run SQL Server 2008 Express, see the system requirements page.

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Instructions

Note: You must have administrative rights on the computer to install SQL Server 2008 Express.

We recommend that you read the Release Notes and Readme before installing SQL Server 2008 Express.

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

Step 2: Download and install Windows Installer 4.5.

Step 3: Download SQL Server 2008 Express by clicking the appropriate link later on this page. To start the installation immediately, click Run. To install SQL Server Express at a later time, click Save.

Note: Note: SQL Server 2008 Express includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. SQLEXPR32_x86 is a smaller package that can be used to install SQL Server 2008 Express onto only 32-bit operating systems. SQLEXPR_x86 is the same product but supports installation onto both 32-bit and 64-bit (WoW) operating systems. SQLEXPR_x64 is a native 64-bit SQL Server 2008 Express and supports installation onto only 64-bit operating systems. There is no other difference between these packages.


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Additional information

SQL Server 2008 Express is available for x86 and x64 systems. SQL Server 2008 Express is not supported on IA64 systems.


See SQL Server Books Online for detailed information on installing and using SQL Server 2008 Express.


If you have questions about SQL Server 2008 Express, visit the SQL Server 2008 forums on MSDN.


Register your personal copy of SQL Server 2008 Express if you haven't already done so.


Building and shipping applications with SQL Server 2008 Express? Sign up for free redistribution rights here.


Help improve SQL Server 2008 Express by submitting bugs to Microsoft Connect Feedback.


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Related resources
Samples and Sample Databases›
SQL Server Developer Center›
Home page for Microsoft SQL Server›
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Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Books Online (October 2009)›
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