can't install SQL Server Express 2005

I've tried to install sql server express (final release), but the setup failed and I got the message:
"An instance with the same name is already installed on this computer. To proceed with SQL Server Setup, provide a unique instance name. "
any idea what this means?

[278 byte] By [reyghie] at [2007-12-17]

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# 1

Do you have any of the express IDEs or Visual studio 2005 installed. Remember that the SQL Express engine is installed when you install one of the Express IDEs or visual studio, this includes the Web Developer.

What is happening is that the SQL Express engine installs to a named instance, this means that when the install completes you have a database sever installed with the location on ".\SQLEXPRESS" or "<MachineName>\SQLEXRESS". This is the name of the database server that you would use in the connection string.

GlennWilson at 2007-9-8 >

top of Msdn Tech,Visual Studio Express Editions,Installing and Registering Visual Studio 2005 Express Editions...

# 2

Actually, I've installed VB Express 2005 and even chose SQL Server as added component. VB Express and .NET Framework 2.0 was installed successfully, but SQL Server wasn't. I have no idea why. So, I downloaded SQL Server Express and tried to install it and that's the time I got the previously mentioned message.

reyghie at 2007-9-8 >

# 3

Hi,

look at your taskmanager if there is any sql server service is running if yes, try to stop it and then install sql server express. You may also look at control panel -> installe applications (hope i transleted right) if the software is installed there. If it is try uninstalling it before setup.

ralphg at 2007-9-8 >

# 4

In the days of SQL Server 2000 you used to be able to find out the instance names by looking at the services running on the machine, as the service name had the instance name included. With sql express the name of the service has hanged and is now installed as "SQL Server (SQLEEXPRESS)", I would check to see if this service is installed and then running. If it is and you still can not connect, the first step I would do would be to uninstall and do another install as it should get installed cleanly when the express product is installed.

I did have this problem with the Beta 2 products but have not seen it in the release versions.

GlennWilson at 2007-9-8 >

# 5

Yes, I did see the service named "SQL Server (SQLExpress). It was set to start automatically even though I already removed the failed SQL Server Express 2005. I changed the startup setting to "Disable" and tried to install SQL Server. Setup still failed. Got the same message. I wanted to delete or remove the named service, but I found nothing to do that when I checked its properties.

reyghie at 2007-9-8 >

# 6

Many thanks to you guys for the suggestions/help that you provided! Although it took me awhile to solve the puzzle so to speak, I found the answer at last and I would like to contribute this solution http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;290991 to those who are having the same problem that was mentioned here. Good luck to y'all!

reyghie at 2007-9-8 >

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