FIX: The default instance name is set incorrectly to SQLEXPRESS when you install SQL Server 2008 Express

Symptoms

When you install Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express, the default instance name is set incorrectly to SQLEXPRESS.

Cause

This problem occurs because of a bug in SQL Server 2008 Setup.

Resolution

Service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2008. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

968382 How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2008

↑ Back to the top

Workaround

To work around this problem, type MSSQLSERVER in the Named Instance box on the Instance Configuration page during setup.

↑ Back to the top

Status

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 1.

↑ Back to the top

More Information

When this problem occurs, applications that are configured to connect to the default instance of SQL Server may be unable to connect to the default instance SQL Server 2008 Express.

Steps to reproduce the problem

Scenario 1

Start SQL Server 2008 Express Setup.
On the Instance Name page, type MSSQLSERVER in the Instance Name box, and then click Next.
On the Disk Space Requirements page, click Back to return to the Instance Name page.

Notice that the instance name is SQLEXPRESS.

Scenario 2

Start SQL Server 2008 Express Setup.
On the Instance Configuration page, click Default Instance.

Notice that the instance name is SQLEXPRESS.

↑ Back to the top