windows server 2008 r2

Quickest Way to install SQL 2008 on Windows Server 2008 R2

Bret Fisher

From KB 955392 there’s lot of info there, but the quickest “one time” install method is to follow “Procedure 1: Basic slipstream steps”

  1. Install the .NET Framework 3.5.1 feature
  2. Download the SQL SP1 service pack
  3. Expand the service pack by using 7zip or the command SQLServer2008SP1-KB968369-x64-ENU.exe /x:C:\SP1
  4. Install the SQL Setup Support files from the SP1 download C:\SP1\x64\setup\1033\sqlsupport.msi
  5. Now run the SQL Setup.exe from DVD or network and point setup to where SP1 is Setup.exe /PCUSource=C:\SP1
Note the long term best method is “Procedure 2: create a merged drop” but the above is great for the 1 or 2 installs.