There are loads of situations where you need to use a SQL database for something. In some cases a SQL Express database will do the job fine rather than installing the full version of SQL.
I’ve created mainly so that when I cover other topics I can link to this article rather than repeating myself.
To install a SQL 2012 Express Instance follow the instructions below :-
First of all download the SQL 2012 Express Install from Microsoft here
![SQLexpress1](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress1.jpg)
Once downloaded run the setup file.
![SQLexpress2](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress2.jpg)
It normally takes a while to get going to the wizard………..
![SQLexpress3](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress3.jpg)
Once the SQL Server Installation Center opens click New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation
![SQLexpress4](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress4-600x172.jpg)
Click I accept on the License Terms and click Next.
![SQLexpress5](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress5-600x449.jpg)
Leave everything selected. It will go online and grab the latest updates. Click Next.
![SQLexpress6](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress6-600x448.jpg)
At the feature selection screen, Select your install path. I’ll leave everything as default. Click next.
![SQLexpress7](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress7-600x451.jpg)
On the Instance Configuration screen choose the name of the SQL instance that you want to create. I’m happy with the default so will click Next.
![SQLexpress8](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress8-600x451.jpg)
The next screen is where you can choose what credentials etc your SQL service should run as. I normally leave these as the defaults. Click Next
![SQLexpress9](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress9-600x450.jpg)
The Database Engine Configuration is the most important screen. Here we need to tell the system who can manage the SQL instance. For me I normally allow domain admins so I am not locked out. I also set the SQL Authentication Mode to Mixed mode. You should check your SQL database requirement before proceeding. I added Domain Admins and also specified a System Administrator password. I left the other tabs as default. Click Next.
![SQLexpress12](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress12.jpg)
Leave Error reporting as default and click Next.
![SQLexpress13](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress13-600x452.jpg)
It will now install your SQL instance. Once its completed ensure everything is marked as Succeeded and click Close.
![SQLexpress14](https://www.blackforce.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SQLexpress14-600x448.jpg)
All done.