How to create a Microsoft SQL Server Express instance called SOPHOS

Overview

As part of troubleshooting installation problems or as a workaround, it may be necessary for you to manually create a Microsoft SQL Server named instance before installing PureMessage or Enterprise Console.

This article provides you the steps to create an instance named SOPHOS.

Create the Sophos instance

1. Run SQLEXPR_x64_ENU from C:\sec_5xx\ServerInstaller\pre-reqs\sqlExpressxxxx.
   
   Note: You can also download the latest version of Microsoft SQL Server Express from www.microsoft.com/express/sql/‎.  If doing so, you must check the version you’re downloading is supported by the Sophos product you’re going on to install later.  For more information, see article 118620 for details on the system requirements of Sophos products.
   
   If you’re installing a SQL Server Express instance to use with PureMessage, go to the extracted location: C:\pmex_[Version]\resources\.
   
   
2. The pre-requisite check will run and at the end will prompt to install anything missing. If there are any errors, these will need to be resolved before the installer can proceed. If all prereqs are installed, the SQL Server Installation Center window will appear.
3. Click Installation followed by New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation.
4. Click Next.
5. In the Installation Type, select Perform a new installation of SQL Server and then click Next.
6. Accept the license and then click Next.
7. In Feature Selection, accept the default settings and then click Next.
8. In Instance Configuration, give your instance a name and then click Next.
   
   Ensure that SQL Server Database Engine is set to an appropriate account. For example, NT AUTHORITY\NETWORK SERVICE and it’s set to Automatic startup and then click Next.
   
   Note: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM may also be used but typically has more rights than are required. It’s also required on a Domain Controller even though Microsoft doesn't recommend install SQL on a Domain Controller.
9. In Database Engine Configuration, make sure that Windows authentication mode is selected and that Administrator is in Specify SQL Server administrators.
10. In Data Directories, it’s recommended that the database and its log are on different physical drives in order to maximize performance.
11. Click Next to start the installation.

Video: Sophos Enterprise Console. How to install MS SQL Server 2012 with 'SOPHOS' instance.

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