Purpose: To describe how to perform a basic installation of SQL Server 2005. Version Information: Although this document addresses SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition, the instructions are very similar or the same for other editions of SQL Server 2005. Important Notes: Before installing SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2000 databases should be backed up (if they are required), and the SQL Server 2000 software should be completely un-installed through the Control Panel, UNLESS there is a technical requirement for it to exist on the same machine. Although SQL Server 2000 and 2005 can exist side by side on the same machine, they have to be installed as separate named instances. This document does not attempt to address the details of SQL Server named instances – if in doubt, consult the DBA for the project for which the installation is being performed. Should a user require SQL Server 2000 AFTER SQL Server 2005 has been installed, it can be inst...