[GIS] Can’t create new geodatabase for SQLServer Express in ArcCatalog 10.0

arccatalogarcgis-10.0arcgis-desktopsql server

I'm trying to create a new geodatabase in my local SQLExpress Database Server from ArcCatalog 10.0 (ArcInfo). I can create a database server entry just fine (image below):

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ESRI documentation has me convinced that at this stage, I should be able to right-click on that server entry, and select the "Create Geodatabase" option. There is no such option:

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It seems a bit like this ArcDesktop 10.0 bug, but following the workaround instructions saw no joy for me. Any ideas on where I can go from here in solving this?

Best Answer

This problem was solved by:

1) Completely Uninstalling the existing local SQLServer Express Server,

2) Reinstalling SQLServer Express from the ArcDesktop 10.0 install media, following the ESRI-supplied install instructions, then

3) Running the ESRI-supplied patch utility for the known issue between ArcDesktop 10.0 and SQLServer Express around the error message "No ArcSDE Server License Found".

Huge props to Michaeel Miles-Stimson for the avenues to investigate.

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