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How do I install SQL Server 2008 on an external USB hard drive?

I just bought an external USB drive to hookup to my Windows XP SP3 laptop. I connected my laptop to this drive and I tried to install SQL Server on it. However, I was only able to specify part of the installation on this external drive.

But the other part of the installation remained on the C drive. I don't see a way to change this for some of these files. Is there a way to install 100% of a new SQL Server 2008 program on an external hard drive? If so, how can I do this?

Alpesh Patel

It is not possible to istall whole setup on external drive. Some of the require component of SQL always install on System Drive.

tigin44

you can not run a full installation od sql server on an external driver.

ironryan77

ASKER

Can I run at least PART of the installation on an external drive? What if I set up an OS on this external drive. Then can I set up the full install on it?

p_nuts

Only if you boot from it.. I think its going to be easier to install a virtual machine and run it in there.. I am assuming it won't be a production system running SQL server on XP.....

ironryan77

ASKER

@pnuts, can you explain more? What do u mean by install a VM? On the external hard drive? And then run Wiindows XP in there? If you could explain more of the specifics that would be terrific!

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Jason Yousef

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ironryan77

ASKER

Thanks!

p_nuts

That's it.. I was just referring to virtual PC from Microsoft which is also free.