Forum FAQ: How do I apply a service pack for an instance of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition or SQL Server 2008 Express Edition?

  • Article

Question

In the SQL Server community, a typical question often raised is that how I shall apply a service pack for an instance of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition or SQL Server 2008 Express Edition since we have two different types of service pack for each version of SQL Server, SQL Server Service Pack and SQL Server Express Edition Service Pack.

Answer

The behavior to apply a service pack for an instance of SQL Server Express Edition has been changed since SQL Server 2008 than prior SQL Server 2005.

In SQL Server 2005, to install a service pack for an instance of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, we cannot use SQL Server 2005 Service Pack which is used to upgrade non-Express Editions but need to use SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Service Pack. Also, SQL Server 2005 Express Edition can also be used for new installations. Here are details:

· To install a service pack for an instance of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, please use SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Service Pack.

· To install a service pack for an instance of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services, please use SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services Service Pack.

However, the behavior was changed since SQL Server 2008. SQL Server 2008 Express Edition Service Pack is only used for new installation (with service pack patched); and to upgrade an instance of SQL Server 2008 Express Edition, please use SQL Server 2008 Service Pack instead which can upgrade all editions of SQL Server 2008.

Applies to

Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Comments

  • Anonymous
    June 22, 2012
    This would have been a good answer if you would have pointed us to the EXACT SP file instead of chanting back the info. TOO MANY users cannot find a Package to just apply a SP. I have spent the better part of an hour to no avail. How many ways to search for SQL EXPRESS SP without getting the wrong thing (FULL PACKAGES) or SQL (NON-EXPRESS) INFO? TOO MANY