Installing SQL Express

Installing Microsoft SQL Server Express 2005 SP2

Before you begin

The majority of this guide is meant for those just wanting to install the SQL Server on the same HTPC as they wish to install and use myTV on. If you wish to use the more advanced features of SQL Server Express or want to use a different PC for the SQL Server then please see the last section on advanced installation options.

Download SQL Server Express Edition 2005 SP2. The file you need is named SQLEXPR.EXE if you are running an x64 operating system. If you are running a normal 32-bit OS then you can use the smaller SQLEXPR32.EXE.

Installing SQLE

1. Double click the installer that you just downloaded.
2. The files will extract and the installer application should launch after a few seconds and you should see the following screen:
   
   
3. Tick the I accept the licensing terms and conditions box and then click Next >.
4. Follow the instructions until you get to the screen below, provided you have the big green tick at the top we are doing well and you can click next. If you do not then skip straight to the [#1|Troubleshooting] section.
   
   
5. The next details should be auto-filled and Hide advanced configuration options should be left ticked, then click Next >.
6. Again leave the options for features and installation directory unchanged and click Next >.
   
   
7. Ensure Windows Authentication Mode is selected and click Next >.
   
   
8. Again leave the options unchanged for the next two options and click  Next >.
   
   
   
   
9. Nearly there now, click Install
   
   
10. Hopefully we have four nice green ticks and we can click  Next >.
    
    

11. And there we have it. You now have a nice SQL Server installed and can proceed to Installing on a single computer
    
    

Troubleshooting

Advanced Installation Options

This is area is for advanced installations.
You won't find screen shots here, just step by step instructions. You should know how to open the applications used, and make the changes without screenshots [:)]

Installing SQL On A Seperate Machine

You need to follow the above install instructions and install SQL on the machine you want to run it on. After you are done installing there are a couple of settings you need to change.

First you need to disable the firewall on the server that is running SQL.
If you don't want to turn off the firewall, see here for instructions on how to configure your firewall.

Second we need to enable the SQL browser so that the client you are installing myTV on can find the SQL server. You do this with the following steps:

1. Bring up the Services Manager on the server running SQL
2. Right Click on my computer and select manage.
3. Select Services and Applications
4. Select Services
5. Right click on  'SQL Server Browser' in the list of services and select properties
6. Change the startup type to 'Automatic'
7. Click Apply
8. Now click the 'Start" button.  The service should have started
9. Click OK
10. Close the 'Computer Managment' window

The next thing we need to do is enable the network ports on the SQL server. To do this follow the below steps:

1. Click start -> All Programs -> Microsoft SQL Server 2005 -> Configuration Tools -> SQL Configuration Manager
2. Expand'SQL Server 2005 Network Configuration'
3. Select 'Protocols for SQLEXPRESS'
4. Right click on 'Named Pipes' and select Enabled
5. Right click on 'TCP/IP' and select Enabled
6. Close SQL Configuration Manager

Now you should be able to install myTV on the other machine and point it to this server during the install.

Installing SQL Express 2008

See external link