Install Software

There are several steps to installing Microsoft SQL for coursework. You'll need to install the management studio, create a server instance, and connect to the instance.

To begin installing the necessary software, select the tab that matches your operating system.

Windows 10 Start

Create a Server Instance

Connect to SQL Server

Step 1

Locate SQL Server File

Locate the SQL Server file you downloaded from the Download Software page.

Step 2

Mount SQL Server File

Right-click the SQL Server file and select Mount from the menu.

Step 3

Open Setup File

Your DVD Drive will open. Open the setup executable file.

Note: You will need administrator privileges to open this file.

Step 4

Open Installation Tab

In the SQL Installation Center window, click on the Installation tab.

Step 5

Install SQL Server Management Tools

Select Install SQL Server Management Tools.

Note: Advanced users may repeat these steps to Install SQL Server Data Tools for more functionality.

Step 6

Download SQL Server Management Studio

The Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) link will automatically open in your browser. On this page, select the most up-to-date Download SQL Server Management Studio file. Then open the downloaded file on your computer. It may prompt you to allow the download to open a file on your computer.

Step 7

Begin Installation

Select Install to begin the installation. This process may take up to 30 minutes to complete.

Now that you have installed SQL Server Management Studio, proceed to the Create a Server Instance tab.

Step 1

Open Installation Tab

Return to the SQL Installation Center window. Then click on the Installation tab.

Step 2

New SQL Server Installation

Select New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to existing installation. It may take a few moments for the set-up software to process.

Step 3

Enter Product Key

You will be prompted to enter a Product key. Instead, check the bullet for "Specify a free edition" and set the drop-down to "Developer". Then click Next >.

Note: You may be prompted to accept the license terms and privacy statement. Select the checkbox then continue.

Step 4

Complete Microsoft Update

Note: You may be prompted to do a Microsoft Update before the next sections. If so, please complete the prompts on the screen. This step will not appear if you have Microsoft up-to-date prior to installation.

The installation will automatically check for Global Rules and move forward.
Then it will complete Product Updates. Select Next when it is complete.
It will automatically complete Install Setup Files and move forward.
Then it will prompt to Install Rules. Select Next to install these rules.

Note: Windows Firewall will give a warning if your computer has a firewall installed. This is normal.

Step 5

Select Database Engine Services

In Feature Selection, select Database Engine Services, then select Next.

Step 6

Name Your Instance

Name your instance 'LASTNAMECLASSNUMBER'. For example, 'DOEMMIS503'. You cannot have spaces in the name. It will automatically populate an Instance ID and a SQL Server directory for you.

Select Next.

Note: Any additional SQL Server instances you have on the computer will appear in the installed instances box.

Step 7

Server Configuration

Make sure the Server Configuration shows the new instance as Automatic and select Next.

Step 8

Configure Authentication

You will be prompted to allow access via a password or Windows authentication. Your options are:

Windows Authentication Mode: It will allow you to access it automatically if you are already authenticated.
Mixed Mode: This is a mix of using Windows authentication mode and having an additional secure password that must be inputted before accessing the server.

Then click Add Current User to add the current login credentials you are using as a Specific SQL Server Admin. It will add in the following format:

COMPUTERNAME/USERID (USERID)

Select Next when complete.

Step 9

Complete Installation

The installation will automatically complete Feature Configuration Rules.
You will be prompted to review the settings in Ready to Install. Select Install when you have reviewed the details.
The installation will happen automatically and will display a completed screen when it is finished.

Step 10

Connect to SQL Server

Now that you have the SQL stand-alone server instance on your computer, you need to connect to it using the Server Management Studio. Proceed to Connect to SQL Server.

Step 1

Open SQL Server

To find and open SQL Server on your computer:

Select the Start button.
Type "Microsoft SQL Server Management" in the search box.
Select the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio app.

Step 2

Select Server Name

The instance you created will not appear in the Server name option immediately. However, if you have other instances already installed on your computer, they will appear here. Do not connect to these instances.

Open the drop-down and select Browse for more...