I completely gave up on installing SQL Server 2005 on my Windows 7 Laptop; too many errors. In regard to installing SQL Server 2008, I decided that I'd keep going in spite of errors; it is in full installation mode right now, even as we speak. However, there was one file I had to install previous to being able to get this far, but it was about 1:00 AM and I didn't write it down. Anyway, the SQL Server 2008 installation is proceeeding now, and so far it looks good. There were a couple errors initially and I just hit the CONTINUE button and got past those errors.

Here's what the main error stated:

Unhandled exception error has occurred in your application. If you click continue, the application will ignore this error and attempt to continue. If you click Quit, the application will close immediately.

An error occurred creating the configuration section handler for userSettings/Microsoft.Sql.Server.Configuration.LandingPage.Properties.Settings: Could not load file or assembly 'System, Version=4.0.0.0 Culture=neutral. Public Key Token=b77a5c561934e089' or one of its dependencies. The system cannot find the file specified. (C:\Users\Cecil\AppData\Local\Microsoft_Corproation\LandingPage.exe _StrongName_ryspccglaxmt4nhlij5z3thycltsvyyx\10.0.0.0user.config line

After looking on the Internet (google) at others who have had similar problems, it makes me wonder how others can have smooth installations?

The installation is still proceeding. It is about two-thirds complete now.

9:22 PM CA Time: Later,...the installation sort of succeeded, but there were errors and four parts of SQL Server did not install. I am tired of playing around with this laptop, so I am doing a clean installation with Windows 7 Home edition now.

12/13/2009 12:31 AM in California: Finished the Windows 7 "Clean" installation, the SQL Server 2008 installation and also the Visual Studio 2008 installation. I haven't opened any of these yet, just kept installing. What do you do with the Windows.old folder? Looks like the clean install was the best way to go.

Got to go to sleep now,...

Cecil

>I hear that there are some compatibility problems with both versions of SQL Server and Windows 7. What exactly the problems are and why I don't know ... I don't have Windows 7 yet, so I've only heard this through the grapevine from someone who had issues installing on Win 7. I don't know if he tried any Googling for answers or not.

>If I hear anything more promising, I'll let you know. Likewise, if you find out anything, could you let me know?

>~~Bonnie