Installing SQL Server 2005 Express

I am working on Win2K Pro & had SQL Server 2005 Express & SQL Server Management Studio installed. The SQL Server name was Merver\SQLEXPRESS. Due to some unavoidable reasons, I had to repair (& not re-install) Win2K but after doing so, I found that I am not able to connect to the database server. I uninstalled all the components related to SQL Server 2005 Express (like Management Studio, Support Files, BOL etc.) from my m/c & then restarted my m/c.

After doing so, I first re-installed SQL Server 2005 Express & other related components (I intended to install SQL Server 2005 Management Studio after installing SQL Server 2005 Express). While installing SQL Server 2005 Express, all the steps get executed successfully except for the last one which happens to be SQL Server Database Services. At this point, I get the following error:

An instance with the same name is already installed on this computer. To proceed with SQL Server Setup, provide a unique instance name.

The problem is after I click the OK button, I am not even given the option to change the instance name! The Status message corresponding to SQL Server Database Services just says Setup failed. Refer to the Setup log for details. Finally, when I click the Next button, the next dialog finishes the Setup (showing the Finish button).

Now how do I overcome this problem? Please note that the Authentication mode I am using is Windows Authentication.

Someone please suggest me a concrete solution. It's driving me nuts! My receding hairline is getting further receded!

Lastly, please note that, as far as possible, I would like to keep the instance name as Merver\SQLEXPRESS only.

Hi,

Refer this link http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/archive/2005/12/08/501885.aspx

HTH

Hemantgiri S. Goswami

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Thank you so very much, Hemantgiri....that blog really helped me overcome this problem...

Regards,

Arpan