Framework2

SQL Server Setup installs the following software components required by the product:

• .NET Framework 3.5 SP11
• SQL Server Native Client
• SQL Server Setup support files

Software2

SQL Server Setup requires Microsoft Windows Installer 4.5 or a later version

After installing required components, SQL Server Setup will verify that the computer where SQL Server 2008 will be installed also meets all the other requirements for a successful installation. For more information, see Check Parameters for the System Configuration Checker.

Network Software

Network software requirements for the 64-bit versions of SQL Server 2008 are the same as the requirements for the 32-bit versions.

Supported operating systems have built-in network software. Stand-alone named and default instances support the following network protocols:

• Shared memory
• Named Pipes
• TCP/IP
• VIA

Note   Shared memory and VIA are not supported on failover clusters.

Virtualization

SQL Server 2008 is supported in virtual machine environments running on the Hyper-V role in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008 Standard, Enterprise and Datacenter editions. The virtual machine must run an operating system supported for the specific SQL Server 2008 edition listed later in this topic.

In addition to resources required by the parent partition, each virtual machine (child partition) must be provided with sufficient processor resources, memory, and disk resources for its SQL Server 2008 instance. Requirements are listed later in this topic.3

Within the Hyper-V role on Windows Server 2008, a maximum of four virtual processors can be allocated to virtual machines running Windows Server 2008 32-bit or 64-bit editions. A maximum of 2 virtual processors can be allocated to virtual computers that are running Windows Server 2003 32-bit editions. For virtual computer that host other operating systems, a maximum of one virtual processor can be allocated to virtual computers.

Notes:

• It is recommended that SQL Server 2008 be shut down before shutting down or the virtual machine.
• For more information about the Hyper-V role in Windows Server 2008, see the Windows Server 2008 Web site.
• Guest failover clustering is supported in SQL Server 2008. For more information about the supported versions of SQL Server and operating systems for guest failover clustering, and the support for virtualization, see Support policy for Microsoft SQL Server products running in a hardware virtual environment.

Internet Software

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1 or a later version is required for all installations of SQL Server 2008. Internet Explorer 6 SP1 or a later version is required for Microsoft Management Console (MMC), SQL Server Management Studio, Business Intelligence Development Studio, the Report Designer component of Reporting Services, and HTML Help.

Hard Disk

Disk space requirements will vary with the SQL Server 2008 components you install. For more information, see Hard disk space requirements later in this topic.

Drive

A CD or DVD drive, as appropriate, is required for installation from disc.

Display

SQL Server 2008 graphical tools require VGA or higher resolution: at least 1,024x768 pixel resolution.

Other Devices

Pointing device: A Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device is required.