Article ID: 958778 - Last Review: April 8, 2009 - Revision: 2.0

FIX: The default instance name is set incorrectly to SQLEXPRESS when you install SQL Server 2008 Express

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SYMPTOMS

When you install Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express, the default instance name is set incorrectly to SQLEXPRESS.
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CAUSE

This problem occurs because of a bug in SQL Server 2008 Setup.
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RESOLUTION

Service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2008. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
968382  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968382/ ) How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2008
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WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, type MSSQLSERVER in the Named Instance box on the Instance Configuration page during setup.
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STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 1.
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MORE INFORMATION

When this problem occurs, applications that are configured to connect to the default instance of SQL Server may be unable to connect to the default instance SQL Server 2008 Express.
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Steps to reproduce the problem

Scenario 1

  1. Start SQL Server 2008 Express Setup.
  2. On the Instance Name page, type MSSQLSERVER in the Instance Name box, and then click Next.
  3. On the Disk Space Requirements page, click Back to return to the Instance Name page.

    Notice that the instance name is SQLEXPRESS.

Scenario 2

  1. Start SQL Server 2008 Express Setup.
  2. On the Instance Configuration page, click Default Instance.

    Notice that the instance name is SQLEXPRESS.
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REFERENCES

For more information about SQL Server 2008 Express, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/express/sql/Default.aspx (http://www.microsoft.com/express/sql/Default.aspx)
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express
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Keywords: 
kbsetup kbtshoot kbprb KB958778
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