T-SQL

003. Installation

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing Microsoft SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on a Windows machine.

Prerequisites

Part 1: Installing Microsoft SQL Server

Step 1: Download SQL Server Installation Media

  1. Navigate to the Microsoft SQL Server download page
  2. Select the edition you want to install (Express is free for development)
  3. Click “Download now”
  4. Save the installation file to your computer

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: SQL Server download page with download button highlighted]

Step 2: Launch the Installation Wizard

  1. Locate the downloaded file (typically SQLServerSetup.exe)
  2. Right-click the file and select “Run as administrator”
  3. If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes”

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: UAC prompt with Yes button highlighted]

Step 3: Choose Installation Type

  1. In the SQL Server Installation Center, select “Installation” from the left menu
  2. Click “New SQL Server stand-alone installation”

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Installation Center with New stand-alone installation option highlighted]

Step 4: Enter Product Key

  1. If using a licensed version, enter your product key
  2. For Express edition, select “Specify a free edition” and choose “Express”
  3. Click “Next”

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Product Key page with Express edition selected]

Step 5: Accept License Terms

  1. Read the license terms
  2. Check “I accept the license terms”
  3. Click “Next”

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: License terms page with checkbox selected]

Step 6: Feature Selection

  1. Select “SQL Server Feature Installation”
  2. Click “Next”
  3. On the Features page, select:
    • Database Engine Services (required)
    • SQL Server Replication (optional)
    • Machine Learning Services (optional)
    • Any other features you need
  4. Click “Next”

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Feature selection page with Database Engine Services selected]

Step 7: Instance Configuration

  1. Choose “Default instance” for most installations
    • Or specify a named instance if needed
  2. Review the instance ID and root directory
  3. Click “Next”

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Instance configuration page with Default instance selected]

Step 8: Server Configuration

  1. On the Server Configuration page:
    • Set “SQL Server Database Engine” to start automatically
    • Configure service accounts as needed (NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM is fine for development)
  2. Click “Next”

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Server Configuration page with automatic startup selected]

Step 9: Database Engine Configuration

  1. On the “Database Engine Configuration” page:
    • Select “Mixed Mode” authentication
    • Enter and confirm a strong password for the SA account
    • Click “Add Current User” to add your Windows account as an admin
  2. Click “Next”

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Database Engine Configuration page with Mixed Mode selected and SA password set]

Step 10: Installation Progress

  1. Review the installation summary
  2. Click “Install” to begin the installation
  3. Wait for the installation to complete (this may take 10-30 minutes)

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Installation progress screen showing completion status]

Step 11: Complete Installation

  1. Once installation is complete, click “Close”
  2. Restart your computer if prompted

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Installation complete screen with Close button]

Part 2: Installing SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

Step 1: Download SSMS

  1. Navigate to the SSMS download page
  2. Click “Download SQL Server Management Studio”
  3. Save the installation file to your computer

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: SSMS download page with download button]

Step 2: Launch SSMS Installer

  1. Locate the downloaded file (SSMS-Setup-ENU.exe)
  2. Right-click and select “Run as administrator”
  3. If prompted by UAC, click “Yes”

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: UAC prompt for SSMS installer]

Step 3: Installation Location

  1. The installer will extract files to a temporary location
  2. Wait for the extraction to complete

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: SSMS extraction progress screen]

Step 4: SSMS Installation Wizard

  1. Click “Install” to begin the installation
  2. Wait for the installation to complete (typically 5-15 minutes)

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: SSMS installation progress screen]

Step 5: Complete SSMS Installation

  1. Click “Close” when installation is complete
  2. SSMS will launch automatically (or you can find it in the Start menu)

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: SSMS installation complete screen]

Part 3: Connecting to SQL Server with SSMS

Step 1: Launch SSMS

  1. Open SSMS from the Start menu
  2. Wait for the application to initialize

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: SSMS splash screen]

Step 2: Connect to Server

  1. In the “Connect to Server” dialog:
    • Server type: Database Engine
    • Server name: (local) or .\SQLEXPRESS (for Express edition)
    • Authentication: SQL Server Authentication
    • Login: sa
    • Password: [the password you set during SQL Server installation]
  2. Click “Connect”

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: Connect to Server dialog with credentials entered]

Step 3: Verify Connection

  1. Once connected, you should see the Object Explorer with your server listed
  2. You can now create databases, run queries, and manage your SQL Server instance

[SCREENSHOT PLACEHOLDER: SSMS main window with Object Explorer visible]

Troubleshooting Tips

  1. If you can’t connect:

    • Verify SQL Server service is running (services.msc)
    • Check firewall settings to ensure port 1433 is open
    • Confirm you’re using the correct authentication mode

  2. For installation errors:

    • Check the SQL Server setup logs (typically in Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\NNN\Setup Bootstrap\Log)
    • Ensure your system meets all requirements

  3. If SSMS fails to install:

    • Install the latest Windows updates
    • Ensure you have .NET Framework 4.8 or later installed
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