How to succesfully install SQL Server 2005 Express

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Good news first, as always:
The final “Express” – editions of Microsofts Visual Studio 2005 will be free. No beta, free downloads of the final dotnet products. Visual Basic Express, C#, J# and Web Developer are yours for free, bundled with the express Edition of the Microsoft SQL Server 2005.

You can get either the web installer or CD images here.

The bad news?

Well, the SQL Server 2005 Express frequently fails to install.
Almost traditionally, none of the error messages will get you anywhere.

Well, trying to install the SQL server seperately from the CD won’t bring you success, but points to leftover Komponents of previous (beta) versions of the dotnet products that need to be removed. Does it tell you exactly what is wrong? Well, no. That would be too easy.

In order to spare you the tedious process of multiple installments, internet research, reboots, etc… I will give you a procedure that worked for me.

Deinstall all Microsoft .NET Products and Components
Reboot
Check your computer with the Microsoft Installer Cleanup Tool.
Reboot
Deactivate all SQL Services
Deinstall SQL Server and all components
Reboot
Check again, using the Microsoft Installer Cleanup Tool.
Deinstall any remaining software and Reboot
Remove the Microsoft SQL Server Directory manually. You’ll most likely to find this on your system partition in the “programs” folder.
Reboot
INstall the Express Product of your choice, including the SQL Server 2005 Express
Rejoice

Download-Links
Microsoft Visual Studio Express Editions
Microsoft Install CleanUp Tool