Microsoft is kind of a suck, right? So, I've had SQL Server 2005 Express install fail the first time through on 2 separate machines, so I figure this may be a common problem. Fixing it goes like this (yes, I'm not making it up).

  • Download SQLEXPR.EXE from the Visual Studio download area
  • Run SQLEXPR.EXE to have it extract all its bullshit and then run the installation wizard.
  • SQLEXPR is going to extract its shit into a root directory folder with a huge hex number for the name. Find that folder and copy everything in it except for $shtdwn$.req to another folder, because you will need to run one of the files after the install fails. However, SQLEXPR is very helpful and will delete all these files, if you don't save a copy.
  • After your installation fails, complaining about a corrupted package 'sqlncli.msi' then close the wizard and let it delete its files.
  • Go to your copy folder, go to the setup sub-folder, right-click sqlncli.msi, and select Uninstall from the context menu. Confirm that you really meant what you said.
  • This will do some shit for a bit and then close.
  • You can then run SQLEXPR.EXE again and this time it will actually install SQL Server 2005.