Cannot install Sql server Express 2005 in Windows Server 2008 x64 “cannot continue because the installation package could not be opened….”

The standard lightweight version of SQL Express 2005 is missing files that are required to install on Sever 2008 x64. You cannot install the lightweight version on server 2008 / 64-bit windows OS. Instead you must simply download the full package including advanced features. This more complete version will install fine on Server 2008. Bear in mind that you don’t actually need to install the advanced features.

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