SQL 2008 RC0 BIDS fails to install

 

I ran smack into this when installing RC0 with VS 2008 SP1 (beta). It appears that the SQL installer is looking for a product ID that is changed in SP1. There is a work around on the connect web site  in a nut shell though the solution is

1. Go to Add/Remove Programs
2. Select Show updates
3. Remove VS Shell update KB945140
4. Install SQL BIDS

The only problem I had with this approach is that the uninstall wants a path to the vs_shell.msi from the service pack install. This is typically under Local Settings\Temp\Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 SP1 (Beta) if you're asked during the uninstall.

The other way around this issue is

1. Install VS 2008
2. Install .Net 3.5 SP1 (beta)
3. Install SQL 2008 RC0
4. Install VS 2008 SP1 (beta)

This works a lot better than uninstalling the KB after the fact, given how well the uninstall's clean up after themselves. Hopefully this issue appears to be marked as fixed on the connect site and RTM should be soon since Q3 is upon us.