Frequently asked questions

Q: I do not have internet on the computer I want to install to, can I use Visual Studio Express Editions  
Yes, download an image that you can burn to a CD and install on any computer without internet. Manual installation instructions here

Q: Do I have to uninstall any previous versions of SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005, and the .NET Framework 2.0  
Only if they were community technology previews (CTP) or betas. If it is the released version you do not have to uninstall. More information here

Q: Can I install multiple Express Editions on the same computer
Yes.

Q: Can I install Express Editions with Visual Studio 6.0/2002.NET/2003.NET/2005
Yes, they work side by side.

Q: How do I register
Choose the Product Registration menu option from the help menu inside Express Edition application you want to register.
You do not need to register if installed from the CD images.
You do not need to register SQL Server 2005 Express Edition but you can if you want.

Q: How much does it cost  
Nothing, it is free!

Q: Can I register multiple editions
Yes, you register all editions, multiple times if needed.

Q: I had to reinstall my computer and lost my registration key, what do I do  
Re-register, you are allowed to register one edition multiple times. You can have multiple installations at the same time like one at work and one at home.

Q: The installation crashes, what do I do
Sometimes it helps to install the .NET 2.0 framework first. Download here

Q: I can not download, it hangs, does not start and other online installation issues!
Try the download troubleshooting guide

Q: I get package load failures, how do I fix it
Check you Aaron Stebner's Definitive list of workarounds for Package Load Failure errors in Visual Studio 2005

Q: This FAQ didn't help me at all and I want to ask a question, how
A: Choose to create a new thread and ask your question. Read this knowledge base article on how to ask a question.




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Frequently asked questions

  • ndalli

    just a question. i registered my C# Express last night. registration is successful and i received the confirmation email but i can't find anywhere the FREE E-BOOK it's telling.

    where is that pls help. thanks.

  • chchchch

    Will the express edition stop working after 1 year.
  • jp singh

    How can I get the ISO format for the following

    1. C# Express windows appliaction development,

    2. SQL Server 2005. Express

    3. Web Applications dev. Express

    Is there any difference in the software functionality of the ISO format and the web installer


  • N_John

    Q : where to get vb.net build a program now the regesteration benifits from


    you can get this book from this link , but after you register your product it might take a day to be able to download since you registered , also you can download the sample code to this book from here

    best regards



  • Keith_Rowe

    Q. What functions and systems are included in the Express products and what are missing

    For a good breakdown of the included systems and functions have a look at the Visual Studio Product Line comparison.



  • Breck Carter

    No the software will not stop working after the 1 year period. If you have downloaded the software in the ISO Format you have that software for the complete lifcycle of the software. But if you used the Web installer, you have to re download it each time you install the software... So If you install from the web version you will more then likly have to pay when you reinstall after the nov 2007 deadline.



  • Frequently asked questions