I had a horrible time figuring out how to install the CTP for SQL Server Express 2008. There were so many options that it felt more like I was installing a linux app. Anyways – for posterity sake – this post spelled it out very clearly with screenshots and everything. I hope it saves someone else the headaches I went through.

First note – I had vista ultimate but still had to install PowerShell which you can download from here. Grab the x86 version unless you have a 64 bit system.

And one other note – there were a ton of different installers but make sure you get the one on this page because the ‘with Tools’ part means that it includes the Management tool.