使用 C# 应用程序安装 SQL Server Express

Question

I have an application that needs to have SQL Server installed in order to work, and I need to make an installer for the application that includes the installation of SQL Server Express in case it isn't already installed in the client's computer.

I tried this having my project to have a prerequisite of installing SQL Server 2005 Express Edition SP2 and the option Download prerequisites from the same location as my application , but it doesn't work, as it throws errors such as

Error 43 The install location for prerequisites has not been set to 'component vendor's web site' and the file 'DotNetFX35SP1\\dotNetFX30\\WCS_64.msp' in item '.NET Framework 3.5 SP1' can not be located on disk.

I have been searching through internet but I could never make any of the methods to work.

I run into a webpage (the only example I found) to use EnableLaunchApplication.js to have a checkbox to run the program after the installation of itself.

But what about an SQL Server Express installation?

I am using Visual Studio 2008 with C#.

EDIT:

In my setup project, I have a PostBuildEvent

cscript.exe"$(ProjectDir)EnableLaunchApplication.js" "$(BuiltOuputPath)"

but I never got the file EnableLaunchApplication.js (it's not a project I made, but I have to figure out a way to fix this..).

Answer 1

So I finally got to make execute the SQL Server Express installer while installing my app, but now another problem comes up, as apparently it can't have two instances of the windows installer, so I can't install the SQL Server Express.

According to http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb264562%28v=sql.90%29.aspx , maybe the easiest solution would be Install the custom application first. Then install SQL Server Express. Install the custom application first. Then install SQL Server Express. , but how can I do that automatically?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Answer 2

I did this in VS2005 and all things go prefect. But I have the same problem as yours.I think you did all correct just some thing.you that "I finally got to make execute the SQL Server Express installer while installing my app" but how?! Run a msi file?! Did you check for previous installed SQL server instance engine? Why you want to install your app before SQL server?!

An other question is if client already have SQL server engine it is a good property and prefect and you have not to install it.

Create a standard installation process dude.install prerequisites first and if they are be installed the install them and if already installed use them.

And the last. Install Windows installer as a prerequisite.

Try to do every thing in its common process.