Install SQL Server 2012 Express on Server 2008

Start here by downloading SQL Express with Tools from here:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=29062

download SQLEXPRWT x64  version

once Downloaded double-click the installer.

select new installation

accept the license agreement and continue

select the features you want installed, and if you want to change where it’s stored, here’s where to do it. Notice that “SQL Server Replication” is a feature in 2012 Express

from here, install .net 3.5

now back to the installer

setup the name, and change instance root directory if necessary

i usually use the defaults for this step

setup your authentication methods:

from here hit next a few times, and let the installer do it’s work!

an hour later…….

Just a little bit later, SQL Server Express 2012 is done installing! If this is a VM, now is a good time to take a snapshot.

from here after a reboot, you should be able to open SQL Server Management Studio 2012

Attempt to login with your credentials

if you can get to here, you have successfully installed SQL Server 2012 Express

That’s It!