SQL Server Express 2008 - Can't uninstall/repair

Hey
I installed SQL Server Express 2008. It gave some error messages during installation that I passed by (oops!)

I'm trying to uninstall but get the following error message:

TITLE: SQL Server Setup failure.
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SQL Server Setup has encountered the following error:
Object reference not set to an instance of an object..
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BUTTONS:
OK
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I've tried searching google, microsoft help, etc and suspect some registry entries didn't get written.

Can anyone give me a hand to either repair or remove?

Thanks!

I have same problem on an XP (SP3) system having both SQL 2008 Developer installed (works OK) and SQL Express Installed. Can not start or connect to SQLEXPRESS instance. SQL Config Manager shows Express exists and allows config of protocols (I have all 4 enabled), but will time-out in trying to start SQLEXPRESS. SQL SMS allows me to locate SQLEXPRESS, but also will time-out trying to connect "network related or instance specific error.... error: 40 could not open a connection, Server, Error: 2"
Tried Control Panel... Add/Remove...repair but think this would work for Developer, but it will not work with now having EXPRESS installed. Seems like I need a specific Platform level repair (or uninstall), but can not find one. Using Platform it reports "Already Installed" but I can not find a repair or unistall option.

Frank,

Hopefully this will help. There is a response below from another forum I posted on.

My two cents worth - regarding uninstall/repair for SQLe, can you access the setup files under /program files/sql server/100/bootstrap setup (or similar - sorry Ica n't remembe teh exact address of the top of my head!)

(SQL Server SSMSe install problems on WIndows 7)

[)ia6l0 iii replied to Tom g at 19-Sep-09 01:34 Firstly, the Sql Server Service needs to be running. Only if this is running, you would be able to access your SQL Express instance.


Secondly, did you install the database engine? not sure which wizard has this during installation.


Thirdly, when you use SQL Server MS, can you use ComputerName\SQLExpress instance? instead of only the instance name?


And at last, can you check in the Sql Server Configuration Manager on the Named pipes configuration?

Thanks for the tips,

In path you suggested found folder/file: Release>setup.exe. Ran setup.exe and under Maintenance, Repair it asked for location of "2008 Installation Media." Having used the platform installer, I had no idea where to find this media.

Under setup tools I ran the "discovery report" and it shows my MSSQLSERVER instance from the "Developer" edition, but nothing for the SQLEXPRESS instance. My MSSQLSERVER instance seems to be working OK. In SSMS I can <search for more> and under Local Servers>Database Engine> I can find entries for MAX and MAX\SQLEXPRESS (MAX is my computer name), and MAX will connect, but MAX\SQLEXPRESS will not connect due to a network related error... mentioning named pipes provider etc. etc. In SSCMgr I can find SQLEXPRESS protocols and I have all 4 protocols Enabled.

Ran MS Update, advised .net framework 3.5 SP1 should be installed. I tried, and it faiiled to install. So, I have another problem to look into as well as above. When it rains it pours....

Frank