Andrew Karcher's Bits o' Data

SQL Server 2008 Setup Experience

So I just had to get SQL Server 2008 installed and get it up and running.

I had a Windows XP SP2 Base Image so I figured I would start with that since I am going to be doing mostly development with it.  At some point I will probably install a version in a Server 2003 VPC and then just connect to that.  Unfortunately the Base Image was a little out of date so I had to spend a few rounds with Windows Update to get everything patched and ready.  Be sure to look through the Install Requirements located here: http://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/Downloads/DownloadDetails.aspx?DownloadID=6835.  (Note: You have to be registered with Microsoft Connect for the CTP for this Download to Work. You can do that HERE.)

1. Windows Update installed the following which are required
1. .Net Framework 2.0
2. Internet Explorer 7 
2. Installed IIS and setup IIS to use ASP.Net 2.0 as the default.
3. Backup VHD
4. First attempt at running Katmai Install (Installing from the ISO Image)
1. System Configuration Checks are all green - Success!
2. Uncheck the Samples and Books Online.  Not really clear, but based on the Read Me it seemed like it was best to install these separately.
3. Take the rest of the defaults and away we go.
5. And everything is installed with no errors. 
6. Install Books Online
7. Install Sample Databases from Code Plex. Link (Click on the SQL Server Katmai Link in the Upper Right)
   I chose the AdventureWorksDBScripts.msi to install the Databases and the Samples.
8. The MSI only unpacks the scripts so you will need to run the scripts just like you did when you reinstalled in 2005.
1. Find the instawdb.sql file and open in SQL Server Management Studio.  The directory is:
   C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Samples\AdventureWorks OLTP\
2. Do a search for "set @data_path"
3. You should find a line with the following "SET @data_path = @sql_path + 'AWDB\';"
4. A few lines below that you will find a line that is commented like:
   SET @data_path = 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Tools\Samples\AdventureWorks OLTP\';
   Uncomment that line and change the "90" to "100"
5. Once the script is finished, refresh your databases in the Object Explorer and Voila! - Adventure Works
6. Run your first query in SQL Server 2008 - Katmai!

Overall, the setup went very smooth.  In fact, I spent most of the patching my VPC image before installing.  I hope this helps someone work through the steps of getting SQL Server 2008 up and running.  My experience was very good (Way to go Setup Team) so I hope you have the same seamless experience.  I welcome the feedback if for some reason I missed a step or you have any questions on my steps.  Just post a comment.

Some tasks for later installs are to install the Adventure Works Data Warehouse Tables and install Team Suite with the latest Team Data bits on there.   Then I will really be able to have some fun exploring the new features in this release.