How can I add SQL Server 2008 Express to the list of Pre-requisites in Visual Studio 2008 SP1 MSI Installer Project.
5 Answers
You have to download the SQL Server 2008 Bootstrapper from the MS Download Center (I think it is also included in the VS2008 Express Edition) and copy it into C:\Program Files\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v6.0A\Bootstrapper\Packages. Each folder under 'Packages' is an entry of the list of Pre-requisites in Visual Studio 2008 SP1 MSI Installer Project.
BTW - If you want to create a custom Bootstrapper have a look at the article Authoring a Custom Bootstrapper Package

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- Install any flavor of Visual Studio 2008 Express SP1.
- Go into the bootstrapper directory (C:\Program Files\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v6.0A\Bootstrapper\Packages) and rename both the SqlExpress2008 and WindowsInstaller4_5 directories.
- Uninstall Visual Studio 2008 Express SP1 (IF you don't want to keep it).
Copied and pasted from: Sql Server Express Blog

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The option of SQL Server 2008 Express is included in the prerequisete list

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I don't have it in my Visual Studio 2008 – noloman Nov 01 '11 at 10:28
In Visual Studio 2010 the option of SQL Server 2008 Express is included in the Prerequisites list.

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As far as I know, when Visual Studio 2008 was realesed, SQL Server 2008 doesn't exists yet, only the 2005 version. So I think that you might not install the SQL Server 2005 when installing Visual Studio 2008, and after that, install SQL Server 2008 separately.
Regards.

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