SixBit normally installs SQL Server automatically as part of the SixBit installer. This article is for the less common case where that automatic install fails (for example, error 27502) and you need to install SQL Server 2022 Express manually before running the SixBit installer again.
Operating System support: SQL Server 2022 Express supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 (64-bit only). Older Windows versions are not supported.
Step 1 - Remove any existing SIXBITDBSERVER instance
If a previous install left a broken SIXBITDBSERVER instance behind, remove it first through Add or Remove Programs before installing fresh. Installing over a broken instance is a common cause of repeated install failures.
Step 2 - Download SQL Server 2022 Express
Download the installer directly from Microsoft: SQL Server 2022 Express - Microsoft Download Center. SQL Server 2022 is 64-bit only, so there is no separate 32-bit download to choose between as there was with older versions.
Run the downloaded file and choose Basic or Custom installation when prompted (Custom gives you more control over the steps below; Basic uses defaults for everything except the instance name, which you still need to set manually).
Step 3 - Work through SQL Server Setup
Choose New SQL Server stand-alone installation (or add features to an existing instance if you have one you want to reuse), accept the license terms, and proceed through feature selection choosing all default features except LocalDB, which SixBit does not use.
When prompted for the instance name, set it to SIXBITDBSERVER. This exact name matters, since SixBit looks for this instance name by default.
On the Database Engine Configuration screen, choose Mixed Mode authentication and set a strong sa password. Make a note of this password, since you will need it if you ever connect to this instance manually.
Step 4 - Finish and run the SixBit installer
Installation typically takes 10 to 20 minutes or more depending on your computer. Once it completes, run the SixBit installer again and choose Use an existing SQL Server Database Instance, pointing it at the SIXBITDBSERVER instance you just created.
SQL Server Management Studio is not included in this install. If you want a tool to view or manage your database directly, see Installing SQL Server Management Studio.
