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
Steve LingisSAP RF ITS Integration & MobiControl SpecialistAsked:
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David Johnson, CD, MVPOwnerCommented:
doesn't matter so get the latest one.
Mark GalvinManaging Director / Principal ConsultantCommented:
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
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Mark GalvinManaging Director / Principal ConsultantCommented:
Just to counter jerserysam (sorry jerseysam, no offence)  - that is the link to Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Management Studio Express which is not the latest version.

As per my link I would suggest using the link on that page to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=29062 and downloading the Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012 Express, once you click on download only download the 'ENU\x64\SQLManagementStudio_x64_ENU.exe' file.

Thanks
Mark

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jerseysamCommented:
Yes fair point, i was just thinking to keep versions the same ie. 2008 for tidy sake :)
Steve LingisSAP RF ITS Integration & MobiControl SpecialistAuthor Commented:
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 LingisSAP RF ITS Integration & MobiControl SpecialistAuthor Commented:
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 LingisSAP RF ITS Integration & MobiControl SpecialistAuthor Commented:
Steve LingisSAP RF ITS Integration & MobiControl SpecialistAuthor Commented:
adding next attachment...
Steve LingisSAP RF ITS Integration & MobiControl SpecialistAuthor Commented:
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 LingisSAP RF ITS Integration & MobiControl SpecialistAuthor Commented:
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 GalvinManaging Director / Principal ConsultantCommented:
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
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