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SQL Server Express 2008 R2 on Windows Server 2012

Hello, I have successfully installed and am successfully using MS SQL Server Express 2008 R2 on Windows Server 2012. I am using the 2008 R2 version because that is the latest version supported by the 3rd-party MS/SQL DB system I use on this server.

I now wish to install MS SQL Server Management Studio Express (version ???) on this server, so that I can take advantage of the suite of included utilities. Which of the many versions should I download and install? Microsoft is very ambiguous with the downloads and naming, and so I will need the exact module name of SQL Server Management Studio Express to install as presented from the confusing list on the Microsoft SQL download site. This is all x64.

Thanks, Steve Lingis

David Johnson, CD

doesn't matter so get the latest one.

Mark Galvin

Get the latest version as it will be able to connect to older instances without a issues.

Last time I needed it I used http://www.sqlshack.com/sql-server-management-studio-step-step-installation-guide/

Thanks
Mark

jerseysam

Ideally use:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=7593

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Mark Galvin

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jerseysam

Yes fair point, i was just thinking to keep versions the same ie. 2008 for tidy sake :)

Steve Lingis

ASKER

Hello, thank you for the input.... When clicking on the 'correct' MS link for Management Studio, MS has first directed me to install .NET on this server, as you can see on the attached. (This server is a new build, and so there is not yet any .NET installed), Am currently installing .NET through the Server Manager, and it seems to be taking a while. If and when this completes, I will continue with MS steps 2 and 3 as shown on the attached, before attempting the Management Studio install. I will advise if and whenever this .NET install ever completes...........

Thanks!
SQL-1.jpg

Steve Lingis

ASKER

OK. I have installed the current .NET without issues. And, I have found and downloaded the exact MS module... SQLManagementStudio_x64_ENU.exe

But when I try to launch it, I get the attached compatibility error...

Clicking on 'Get help online' takes me to nowhere, but if I 'Run the program without getting help', it takes me to the next attachment, in which MS looks like it is trying to install and/or upgrade SQL Server Express, NOT Management Studio.

Recall that the purpose of this is to install Management Studio.... I don't want to or need to upgrade or change anything with my installation of MS SQL Server 2008 R2, which is working just fine...

This has the earmarks of a Microsoft boondoggle, but I will await your further advice before passing judgment...

Thanks!
SQL-compatibility-problem.jpg

Steve Lingis

ASKER

SQL-run-it-anyway.jpg

Steve Lingis

ASKER

adding next attachment...

Steve Lingis

ASKER

Well, SQL folks, my gut feeling that this was a Microsoft boondoggle ..............is correct.

Here is the solution to this problem...

http://sqlblog.com/blogs/aaron_bertrand/archive/2009/02/21/download-the-standalone-installer-for-sql-server-2008-management-studio-express.aspx

I followed this blog, and it perfectly allows me to install Management Studio without all the MS obfuscation.

Microsoft, please be embarrassed that you have no doubt put thousands of SQL users through these hoops because of the obfuscation and misleading identification of products.

Steve Lingis

ASKER

I've requested that this question be closed as follows:

Accepted answer: 0 points for Steve Lingis's comment #a40894576

for the following reason:

the blog has the exact solution to the exact problem.

Mark Galvin

My solution was pretty much on the button. In fact the link I sent was for Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Express and then use the SSMS file. The Author found this link http://sqlblog.com/blogs/aaron_bertrand/archive/2009/02/21/download-the-standalone-installer-for-sql-server-2008-management-studio-express.aspx which points to the MS Link for Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Express. Had he used my suggestion it would have worked just as well and then on the next run of Windows Update SP1 for SSMS would have been installed.

I dont understand why the author has requested for this questions to be close without giving, at least, some points?

Thanks
Mark