Hi Kath: I read many, many posts on Google about manually removing files, deleting things from the Registry and other fixes which I tried with no success. There is a MS program that you can download and is suppose to remove remnants and it did remove a couple of left over files from another application but not the SQL Instance. If you are using MySql and happy with it I would just stick with it. You can still likely install SQL Server even with the hanging instance by just downloading the complete basic package, I think it was the Engine with Tools, and in the place in the Download screen where it asks you for an instance name just change it from something like SQLServerExpress to a name of your choice like SQLServer2008 or KathsSQLServer. That way you can download a new instance of the server. Now, this is if youhave the hanging instance problem. As I mentioned, trying to uninstall it takes trying to check which modules to remove in the install window of the Add / Remove Dialog in the Control Panel - at least that is where it is in Windows XP Pro. There is a fellow on list who has coded up a script to install SQL Server who might be able to help customize one for your machine if he is still floating around. That might be a good option to get around knowing all about the many optional feature settings and the accessibility tweaking to install that puppy if you decide to go that route. I had written a step by step instruction set for downloading and installing it using WindowEyes some time agobut that was for working in Windows XP and using WindowEyes. I don't recommend the beginner try and install that massive database but it is the one MS uses other than their SQL Server Compact Edition which is a simple file handling engine that just adds a datafile to your program and does not require a Server at all in reality. It is called an Embedded DataBase instead of a Server Based Database. I am not sure where you can download it from, it was a part of the Sql Server Download when I downloaded and installed Sql Server 2008 some time ago. Anyway, to make a long story short: One; If happy with MySql stay with it, Two; There should be some way to get SQL Server with default settings without going through that messy Installation Center and, Three; If you want to try and install it let me know and I will see what I can dig up on my experience including that step by step - if I still have it floating around. A quick note to any reader, always take a restore poinyt before downloading any software so you can restore your system if something goes wrong. Later: Rick USA . ----- Original Message ----- From: katherine Moss To: programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 11:07 AM Subject: RE: SQL & VStudio 2008 That's why I said just screw it and took MySQL in it's place. And I'll tell you, my computer's too valuable, and I just can't wipe my hard drive simply because some remnants are left behind. That seems perposterous! There's got to be some way of removing those remnants. Is there not? From: programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of RicksPlace Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 7:13 AM To: programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: SQL & VStudio 2008 Hi: Ya, that puppy can be a real bugger to get downloaded and installed the first time if you try and use the MS Installation Center page. There are a ton of options, and dynamic stuff you need to wade through fairly carefully to download and install it. It is a very complex piece of software, a professional DataBase server and a Management Tool to manage the Databases Online or OffLine. As for the left over remnants of a prior SQL Server Install that can be a problem indeed. It means that you likely will not be able to download a clean version of SQL Server using the default instance name which is not a major problem if you know about such things. There is a chance you can remove the left overs but since SQL Server ties into so many places and even an Office module or 2, it can be tricky to do. You have to uninstall that puppy's modules in the correct order or you can get a left over instance. Also, when you try and remove it using the Control Panel Add Remove Programms you have to select the Instance Name and Support Modules, checking them, that you want removed or you might get an incomplete UnInstall. I know of 2 folks who had to wipe their hard drives to completely remove failed uninstalls and a few who were able to remove the remnants with some tweaking. You should not try and delete any files or folders manually or you might put things out of sync if you plan a system restore, the registry might not match the files after you mess with either. Well, I wish I could tell you better news but I would try just doing a system restore to the point prior to installing sql server to remove that instance - hopefully, and then ReInstall it carefully after really knowing what you are doing so you do not have any problems to try and resolve. That piece of software is really touchy to install correctly for a novice, blind programmer. Rick USA ----- Original Message ----- From: katherine Moss To: programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 10:50 PM Subject: RE: SQL & VStudio 2008 I have also had issue after issue with SQL server. In fact, my desktop still thinks that the express version is still there. It may be a hard run for you. From: programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of LU OGBE Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 7:45 PM To: programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: SQL & VStudio 2008 Hello, Apologies for cross posting. Please can anyone give me advice on setting up a development environment on a windows 7 professional 64bit machine. I'm using JAWS 11 & my questions are: - will the SQL 2008 enterprise edition work on Windows 7 64bit? - If I install SQL Business Intelligence Development Studio, do I still need to install Visual studio 2008? - If so, what version of VStudio do I need to install i.e. VStudio 2008 with SP1 or VStudio for X64? - Are there any known issues with SQL on windows 7 professional 64bit ? I want to get this right this time because I had a lot of problems trying to install SQL & VStudio 2008 on my system when I was using Vista. The Solution Management Studio refused to run. Thanks in advance. Regards, LU __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 5386 (20100822) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 5386 (20100822) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 5389 (20100823) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 5389 (20100823) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com