Do I need all these SQL Server versions?

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After a successful upgrade from Win 7 HP 64 to Win 8 Pro on my desktop PC, I did the same thing on my laptop. Does anyone know of a way to determine if I need all the SQL servers that are installed? I’ve included a snip shot from Control Panel |Programs and Features.

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In terms of need, it really should be you answering that, it’s very hard for us to tell.

You basically have a full edition of SQL Server (2008 R2 version) and two editions of the compact version. Doesn’t look like the compact editions even take much space, so I see no reason to remove them, even if you do not need them.

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Hi, ruirib – I do not make direct programming use of SQL but software installs over the years (Office 2010 Access, a MS CRM, etc. have installed these as needed. I’m now having a problem with an install of another program that requires SQL Server 2008 Express R2, and is supposed to install it (and Windows Installer 4.5) if it does not find them. It apparently sees what it needs on my laptop, and completes a “successful” install, but then flashes an SQL access error when it runs. The error message lasts a micro second so I cannot decipher the whole problem. I was hoping there was a utility that would show what SQL server software was being used by which programs – perhaps the new Win 8 Task Manager will help. Also, I’ll try to install it on my Desktop PC and see what happens. Both are running a Win 8 Pro OS.

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I was able to read the error – “SQL express is not installed” when running the new program. So, even though I have everything I need, there is a problem I do not know how to troubleshoot.

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SQL Express was not on that list, that’s for sure.
Not sure what app needs it, but most apps that use SQL Express can use full SQL Server versions, although they need to be configured for that.

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I have a sneaking feeling that your upgrade install is probably the culprit here.

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Clint and Ruirib – For comparison purposes, I installed the same application on my desktop and it runs without errors. My desktop was also a Win 7 HP 64bit OS upgraded with Win 8 Pro. It differs only in hardware as all the software apps are the same and all data folders are synced to the cloud and laptop. The installed SQL servers are attached. There is one less SQL Server 2008 entry, and no “compact” versions – otherwise no discernible difference from the problematic laptop. I’ve also compared the details of the new program’s folders under both Programs and Programs X86 on each PC and the contents are an exact match Would it be possible/dangerous to uninstall all SQL servers on the laptop and then look for replacements via Windows Update, etc. (after making an image backup!)?

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I just noticed the SQL Server Browser on the laptop is much older – could that be the issue?

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I don’t think so. You actually do not have SQL Server Express edition installed. You’d need to see if your app can use full SQL Server and how you can configure it for that.

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I don’t have any start menu entries for SQL server either, and when I dug through program files and program files x86, I couldn’t find any executables that gave me anything that looked like the mentioned program.

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Microsoft SQL Server is a completely separate program that has to be installed. The Express version is free and can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.

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Does anyone know of a way to determine if I need all the SQL servers that are installed?

Sure. To see if it is safe to remove an SQL instance I would first stop the server. Run ALL your software to see which one, if any, uses the sever instance. If ALL of your software works then it may be safe to remove. Hopefully after you do a backup.

WARNING: Removing an SQL server can “break” some applications.

It is possible that an uninstalled did not remove its SQL server. Have you installed and then uninstalled any software on your laptop?

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