How To Install SQL Server 2008 Express Edition As Default Instance?

Problem

When you choose "Default Instance" option in the SQL Server 2008 Express Edition install process, you still get the named instance "SQLEXPRESS".

Solution

This is a bug of SQL Server 2008 Express Edition. Please see Selecting the "Default Instance" option in SQL Server 2008 Express RTM has no effect. As a workaround you can select the option to install a named instance and enter "MSSQLSERVER" as the instance name.

Other Resources

• Selecting the "Default Instance" option in SQL Server 2008 Express RTM has no effect