title: SQL Server Express 2008 R2 installation on Windows Server 2008
body: <p>I have installed Windows Server 2008R2x64 under VMWare Workstation, to test installation of my application. I then installed the .Net 4.0 distributables and then SQL Server Express 2008 R2 SP1 (<code>SQLEXPRWT_x64_ENU.exe</code> from <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=22973" rel="nofollow">http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=22973</a>). I accepted all defaults and including the default instance <code>SQLExpress</code>.</p>
  
  <p>When I can start the management console, <code>SQLEXpress</code> is not available as an instance.</p>
  
  <p>In <code>Administrative Tools &gt; Services</code>, SQL Server is running, with instance <code>SQLServer</code>. I have enabled the Agent and Browser services.</p>
  
  <p>This is killing me as I need to install at a customer site on Monday...</p>
  
  <p>Any ideas?</p>