Microsoft SQL Server is used for both the ALMSys® and Lading Manager™ (full) software products. The standalone versions of these products have made use of the runtime version of SQL Server, called "SQL Server Express."

This covers installing SQL Server 2008 Express. These instructions are for standalone SQL Server users only. Network SQL Server users should obtain SQL Server 2008 through your normal IT channels.

Windows 7 Note: When installing on Windows 7, you will need to first download the files, and then right-click on each file and run them as the administrator.

These instructions will walk you through the process of installing SQL Server 2008 Express. If you want assistance, please do not hesitate to contact ALMSys Support.

1. You must be logged on as the Administrator of your PC in order to update it.



2. The Windows Installer 4.5 is required. If you do not know if you have this version, go ahead and attempt to upgrade to it anyway. The installation program will detect if you need it or not. If you are using Windows XP 32-bit, then you may click here to download and install the Windows Installer 4.5 (3.2 MB). If you are not using Windows XP, or if you are on a 64-bit platform, you will need to go to the Microsoft site and find the download that matches your situation. Click here to go to the Microsoft site.



3. Microsoft .NET 3.5 is required. If you do not know if you have this version, go ahead and attempt to upgrade to it anyway. The installation program will detect if you need it or not. If you are using Windows XP 32-bit, then you may click here to download and install the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 (232 MB). If you are not using Windows XP, or if you are on a 64-bit platform, you will need to go to the Microsoft site and find the download that matches your situation.



4. Microsoft PowerShell 1.0 is required. Like the Windows Installer, if you are not sure whether this has been installed, try to install it. If you are using Windows XP 32-bit, then you may click here to download and install the Microsoft PowerShell 1.0 (1.6 MB). If you are not using Windows XP, or if you are on a 64-bit platform, you will need to go to the Microsoft site and find the download that matches your situation. Click here to go to the Microsoft site.



5. Download and run Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (SP2). This is a 236 MB download. SQL Server 2008 Express File 1 of 1
   
   Here are the steps that the installation will go through. You will need to take the correct action on each step.
   
   
   1. It will go through an "Extracting files" phase. No action is required. If you do not have the Windows Installer 4.5 installed, it will stop here and complain about it.
   
   
   
   2. SQL Server Installation Center. Select "New Installation." This will open a new window for the setup.
   
   
   
   3. Accept the license terms. Click Next.
   
   
   
   4. Setup Support Files. This should unpack and disappear.
   
   
   
   5. Setup Support Rules. You may not see this screen. If Windows PowerShell has not been installed, it will stop you at this point.
   
   
   
   6. Feature Selection. Click Next.
   
   
   
   7. Instance Configuration. The named instance should be "SQLExpress." Click Next.
   
   
   
   8. Server Configuration. In the "Account Name" column, you will need to select "NT AUTHORITY/NETWORK SERVICE" and click Next.
   
   
   
   9. Database Engine Configuration. Select "Mixed Mode." You now must supply a strong password twice. A strong password consists of upper characters, lower characters, and numbers. You may put in dashes and underscores. The password must be at least 8 positions. Write down this password. You will need it later. Click Next.
   
   
   
   10. Error Reporting. Click Next.
   
   
   
   11. Installation Configuration Rules. This will flash past.
   
   
   
   12. Installation Progress. This will go right into the install...and will take awhile.
   
   
   
   13. When the installation has completed, close all of the windows.
   
   
   
6. Typically, there is no need to reboot unless you are asked to.