I am a system analyst trying to learn C# and Visual Studio 2005 so I can start producing applications at work. This book has been excellent up to Chapter 24. Referring to pages 778-779, I have tried every way I can think of to install SQL Server Express and the sample database. (I have installed other versions of SQL Server, but then I have problems with the book's examples and connection strings.) Each time I diligently remove all programs and directories associated with SQL Server, and then try to follow the instructions. Initially the configuration windows report that the installation was successful, but then at the very end the system reports, "SQL Server 2005 was unable to install..." I have saved the ConfigSamplesLog files to analyze the problem, but I still don't have a solution. Please help - my job is at stake!

Or I could install SQL Server 2000 or 2008 (I have both CDs) and then I'll need help revising the connection strings to use with the exercises in the book. Thanks.