Installing the SQL Server Database Engine
The SQL Server Database Engine component of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 is the core service for storing, processing, and securing data. The Database Engine provides controlled access and rapid transaction processing to meet the requirements of the most demanding data consuming applications in your enterprise.
The Database Engine supports one or more server instances on a single computer. For more information about selecting features and components to install, see Editions and Components of SQL Server 2005.
To create a typical SQL Server installation, see How to: Install SQL Server 2005 (Setup).
Important
For local installations, you must run Setup as an administrator. If you install SQL Server from a remote share, you must use a domain account that has read and execute permissions on the remote share.
Step 1: Preparing to Install the Database Engine
Before you install the SQL Server 2005 Database Engine, review the following requirements:
- Hardware and Software Requirements for Installing SQL Server 2005
- Check Parameters for the System Configuration Checker
- Security Considerations for a SQL Server Installation
- Components of the SQL Server Database Engine
Step 2: Installing the Database Engine
After you review the installation requirements for SQL Server 2005 and ensure that your computer meets those requirements, you will be ready to install the Database Engine. Depending on your environment, you will install the Database Engine in one of the following ways:
- Install the Database Engine on a clean machine using the Installation Wizard. For more information, see How to: Install SQL Server 2005 (Setup) or Before Installing Failover Clustering.
- Install the Database Engine on a clean computer from the command prompt. For more information, see Remote Setup Information for SQL Server 2005. For example command prompt syntax, see How to: Install SQL Server 2005 from the Command Prompt.
- Migrate or upgrade a previous SQL Server version to SQL Server 2005. For more information, see Upgrading to SQL Server 2005 and Working with Multiple Versions of SQL Server.
Step 3: Verifying your installation of the Database Engine
Following installation, verify that the SQL Server 2005 services are running. For more information, see How to: Verify a Successful Installation of SQL Server 2005 Services.
Step 4: Configuring your installation of the Database Engine
Some features of SQL Server 2005 are turned off by default. To review configuration options, see Configuring a SQL Server Installation and SQL Server Surface Area Configuration.
See Also
Reference
Editions and Components of SQL Server 2005
Collation Options and International Support
Concepts
Components of the SQL Server Database Engine
Other Resources
Database Engine Installation How-to Topics
Configuring High Availability