SQL Server Express Installation Resources

This page contains links to resources that are useful when installing SQL Server Express, such as installation guidance and information on how to troubleshoot common installation problems.

Setup

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:	What editions of Windows can SQL Server Express be installed on?
A:	Use the following MSDN and TechNet Library links to determine the operating system requirements for SQL Server Express SQL Server Express 2005 x86 and x64 installation (32 and 64-bit) SQL Server Express 2008 x86 installation (32-bit) x64 Installation (64-bit) Express only Express and Tools Express with Advanced Services SQL Server Express 2008 R2 x86 installation (32-bit) x64 Installation (64-bit) Express only Express and Tools Express with Advanced Services
Q:	I've read that SQL Server Express is limited to only one CPU. What exactly does this mean if my CPU supports Hyper-Threading (HT) or has multiple-cores?
A:	For licensing purposes, SQL Server Express counts only the physical processor chips present in the computer. For processing purposes, SQL Server Express recognizes the additional processors that are available on a computer that has a multiple-core CPU or an HT Technology-enabled CPU. On a computer that has a multiple-core CPU, SQL Server 2005 Express starts a separate scheduler for each core. On a computer that has an HT Technology-enabled CPU, SQL Server 2005 Express Edition starts a separate scheduler for each logical processor. For example, if you have a dual-core CPU, SQL Server Express starts two separate schedulers. Both schedulers are available for SQL Server Express to use. This behavior lets SQL Server Express do some parallel processing within the limits of the one CPU that the product is using. For more information, see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914278.
Q:	After setup, I can't seem to connect to the SQL Server Express instance from a remote computer. Did I miss a step during installation?
A:	By default, SQL Server Express is configured to allow only local access. Use the information on the following MSDN Library pages to determine how to enable network access for SQL Server Express: Enabling Network Access [2005] How to: Enable Network Access in SQL Server Configuration Manager [2008]