UPDATE#2:
1) Stumbled into a 'repair' feature and tried that. Still no sign other than it was in the installed software list.
2) Removed/reinnstalled and achieved clean install (as per first time) but still NOT in Start-->Programs list, even after a reboot?!?!?

UPDATE: Just retried install of MSDE and this time got a cryptic error box "Instance specified is invalid" with an OK button. Clicking it terminated the install.
Anyone know what THAT IS????
---end update---

I installed VFP7, all parts, this afternoon on to XP-Home. All seemed to proceed well, though I had noticed that the MSDE install was different and quite quick.

I just went looking for SQLBOL and couldn't find it. I then went to Start--->Programs to see MSDE, hoping to see it named there.
MSDE was NOT THERE AT ALL!

I'm going to try reinstall MSDE, but mention it here in case this confusing new OS has a new technique for dealing with such components. If there is one, I'd like to hear about it.

Thanks