Member Avatar for Seba Sama

Hello,

I would need some help/hints/tips for installing MSSQL server 2008 on a Windows Server 2003.
Details: I want to work with virtual machines. My computer is an old one, not able to virtualize x64 machines. That's why I use Win server 2003 32 bit with MSSQL server 2008 R2.
My problem is that, when I install the SQL server it installs active directory, and I don't want that. I just need a virtual SQL server. Later I may want to install some other servers like a web server, but this is not a problem (yet).
What is triggering the AD install? Or should I try an older SQL version like 2005 or 2000?

Any help/link/tutorial would be good. The ones I found were not helpful.
Thanks!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by JorgeM

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Short, practical options that avoid wrestling with an unwanted AD promotion (given the constraints described):

If the goal is "a VM where I can learn T‑SQL and run a dev database" — pick a lightweight 32‑bit guest and install a 32‑bit SQL edition (Express or Developer) rather than trying to shoehorn a full SBS image. A desktop 32‑bit Windows (Windows 7/8) or Windows Server 2008 Standard x86 uses far fewer resources and won’t force server/DC setup wizards. For a minimal setup: install SQL Server Express (x86), choose a standalone instance, enable Mixed Mode auth, then enable TCP/IP and open the host firewall port (default 1433).

If the host machine is Windows, a lower‑overhead route is to run SQL on the host and connect from your VM. This avoids an extra guest OS entirely. Key steps: enable TCP/IP in SQL Configuration Manager, start SQL Browser if you used a named instance, add a firewall rule for TCP 1433 (and UDP 1434 for SQL Browser), restart services, then connect from the VM to HostIP\InstanceName.

If you do need a server‑style environment later, cloud or MS evaluation images are a quick way to try x64 servers without upgrading hardware (as pointed out). For local testing, avoid Small Business Server images if you do not want domain controller behavior—use a Standard/Desktop image instead.

Quick checklist

  • Use SQL Express (x86) for low RAM/CPU.
  • Prefer a desktop 32‑bit guest or host install to avoid server wizards.
  • After install: enable TCP/IP, open firewall ports, start SQL Browser for named instances, set Mixed Mode and create an sa password.
  • Test connectivity from your dev machine before installing apps.

This keeps your learning environment simple, conserves scarce VM resources, and sidesteps AD unless you explicitly want to build a domain.

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

Sounds like you are running Windows Server 2003 Small Business Edition. If that is the case, there are several roles that get installed on that version.

What is triggering the AD install? Or should I try an older SQL version like 2005 or 2000?

Normally SQL does not install Active Directory. there is no dependency on AD for SQL to work.

Member Avatar for Seba Sama

Yes, I have the small business edition.
I don't know about those roles, but it starts "Installing Active Directory".
Is there any other option for having a server with MS SQL? I need it for personal purposes, like improving my programming skills :)

Can someone post some links which can help me install the server? I tried some but no luck so far.

Edited by Seba Sama
Member Avatar for JorgeM

There are other options. For example, you can download Server 2012 for a 6 month trial, and also get SQL server Express edition.

Microsoft also has TechNet labs where you can practice on their virtual servers in the cloud.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/dn205302.aspx

Member Avatar for Seba Sama

Thanks for the tip with TechNet :)
My main problem still stands... As I wrote in the first post, I HAVE TO virtualize as I lack the second machine to work with. My actual configuration can't handle 64 bit virtualization. That's why I've tried the 2003 Server version...
A friend will try something and MAYBE he will be able to solve my problem. He used to work as network & server admin.
If I'll get some nice results I'll post here.

Member Avatar for JorgeM

You can get a copy of 2008 Server x86 (32bit) here:

Its a trial version that can be extended up to 240 days total. That should give you plenty of time for your testing, I assume.

Otherwise, the alternatives are upgrade your hardware to support x64, or get a TechNet/MSDN subscription that will give you access to all full verions supported OSs, etc..

Edited by JorgeM
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