I was going to update an old post with some links to download the SSMS from SQL 2008 R2, because this was related to the original post subject. It turns out the updates were going to be too big, because Microsoft is re-organizing some of it’s download and product pages – with a strong focus on latest versions, so we poor users of previous versions are left in the dust.
So here it is, an update as a post. And a lot of links to download your version of SSMS 2008R2 of choice (remember: this version does not include Job Activity Monitor neither BIDS (SSIS Designer), Profiler and advanced stuff).
UPDATE as of 2012-09-06: It looks like the product site from SQL2012 will not list the SSMS for 2008 anymore (I tried searching for it in several ways), so I google around a bit to find the correct links to get the most recent version of it directly from Microsoft (before they remove the download and we have to start using torrents to get official software). Below are the links for your (and mine) delight:
sql server 2008 r2 sp1 management studio express sp1 direct link:
x64-enu – http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=228417&clcid=0x409
x86-enu – http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=228416&clcid=0x409
article: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26729
(search for the “SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1 Management Studio Express” string in the page. The download links are hidden in the end of the paragraph. Yeah, hard to spot).
It looks like now the reccomendation is to install Express (wich includes a database instance) to get your SSMS up and running. Because I like to have options and to choose what to install on my machine, I decided to find this download and share here with you. Unfortunately all we have in the page is the english version, because I could not find the download in any other language right now (or stick with RTM and choose another language).
UPDATE 2: I finally found the product download page for SSMS2008R2 in several languages. Get the smaller files, that start with “SQLManagementStudio_…” (gosh, this shouldn’t be this hard to find…):
SSMS 2008 R2 with SP1:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26727
SSMS 2008 R2 with SP2:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30438
While we are at it: SQL Server 2008 R2 SP2 download:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30437
Well, enough links for today (and tomorrow, and the day after).
UPDATE 3: Ok, after 2 years using these files, it happened to me. Installation failed because a Windows 2003 server was missing PowerShell. I even needed help to find this old download on the sea of files Microsoft throws at us. So if it ever happens to you, this is the link to download Windows PowerShell 1.0 for Windows 2003 servers: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=16000
UPDATE 4: And now, for the final update of this post (and also last SP for this version), here are the links for SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 3. There will be no Express version this time, so you have to install SSMS SP2 and then run the full SP3 installation in order to get your tools up-to-date. Or just start using 2012 already, it’s about time!
SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 3: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=44271
SQL Server 2008 R2 SP3 Feature Pack: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=44272
And some articles about this last SP: http://blogs.technet.com/b/dataplatforminsider/archive/2014/10/01/sql-server-2008-r2-sp3-and-sql-server-2008-sp4-are-now-available.aspx , http://sqlblog.com/blogs/aaron_bertrand/archive/2014/09/28/sql-server-2008-r2-service-pack-3-is-available.aspx and http://sqlperformance.com/2014/07/sql-lock-block-deadlock/2008-r2-bug-fix-breaks-rcsi
Pay attention to the Read Committed Snapshot Isolation bug. That’s an important fix, I’m glad they corrected it in this last Service Pack!
That’s it!
Cya next week!
The Lonely DBA 
Thanks. It helped.
Glad to hear it! It seems this is my most famous post, even though I try to write a lot! =D
Thanks
Thank you for this post. It saved my day!
Vegita,
Why is everyone installing the wimpy,cut down version: Sql Server Management Studio Express?
You need the saien version: Advanced Sql Server Management Studio to beat the likes of Freeza data.
Perhaps it is because MS deliberately made it more difficult to find the download links for both versions. A lot of times it is easier to install SSMS using the full SQL Installation media rather than locate the correct download.
Also, SSMS Express is smaller and causes less trouble with Visual Studio. The Advanced version installs a “mini-VS” and may cause trouble to developers using both tools.
Hi mauricio, I’ve found this article really helpful to me, can you suggest me which link shall I download according to this scenario: I have developed a C#.NET app with VS 2010 and using sql server 2008 R2, I want to install this app + database (2008 r2) on a local pc (given name Adam) running XP. Following I want to be able to access Adam database remotely via lan from another local pc (given name Chloe). The issue is that Chloe is a really bit old pc with short disk space, so I think my choice would be to install only a SSMS 2008 R2 to connect to Adam, is it possible to do this? I believe I don’t need a database installation on Chloe but the SSMS to be able to access Adam’s 2008 r2 based database. Again, can you suggest me which feature should I download and install for Chloe? Thanks a bunch.
Hi Alberto. You are correct, you only need the “basic” SSMS. The installer is only around 160mb in size.
Look for “SSMS 2008 R2 with SP2” link in my post, choose your language, and search for the “SQLManagementStudio_x86_ENU.exe” file. This is the 32bit version, probably better for an old pc (there is no difference between 32 and 64bit for query-only usage).
You may need to install some .NET first, check if that won’t be a problem. If you have trouble with that, you could try to use the SSMS from SQL 2005. cya!
Thanks a lot my friend Mauricio, I’m going to follow your steps as instructed, I believe also the .NET framework would be indeed required on little Chloe, I heard the SP4 of SSMS 2005 will work very good with a 2008 database. http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=7011. Will try it if Chloe can’t handle the SSMS 2008. Thanks a bunch man!
Thanks for the link for SQL 2005 SSMS! And yes, for basic usage and querying any SSMS will connect without problems to any SQL server from 2005 and up. cya!
Hi Mauricio, my simple objective is to have the “SQL Server Management Studio” program on my Win7 PC to manage the Database at my working PC (today I need to remote to server to execute the shortcut on server “C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Binn\VSShell\Common7\IDE\Ssms.exe”), I downloaded and setup “SQL Server 2008 R2 Express SP2” and I downloaded “SQLManagementStudio_x86_ENU (2).exe” as your given link (I downloaded this setup file more than 1 times that you can see (2) in part of filename) and ran it, it looked like running the “SQL Server Installation Center” again and once I tried Next (and next) there is no “SQL Server Management Studio” component choice to tick (and if tried next setup program raised me an err like component already installed)
Now, Can you please guide me to have the “SQL Server Management Studio” program on Win7 PC. Many thks in advance
Hi Bamrung. Sorry for the late reply, but I could not verify the installer on Win7 yet. I just created a new VM to install it and will return to you next week. cya!
I have the exact same question you have … any clue since early april?
Thanks
OMG, I have not played with my Virtual Machines since April! I will do a test today and get back with the answer, David.
cya
I did, just Setup the 2008R2 DVD on the PC and Select Products to install, will get the list programs installed under Start-menu folder “Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2” one of usable programs is “SQL Server Management Studio”, open it and configure the Connection to the Server then you can control the whole things on the DB server (if you connect as “Server Admin” privileged)
Thanks folks, it’s working just fine!
Pingback: SQL Server 2012 Management Studio download | The Lonely DBA
Reblogged this on Astronur’s Weblog.
Thank man!
I am using windows 8.1 which sql server virsion compatible for windows 8.1? can u any one help please. tks
If you are learning it now, I recommend going with SQL2014. If you can’t get it, give a try to SQL2012, but you will need to enable the .NET 3.5 framework.
SQL2008 is almost out of support, so dont use it for new work. cya!
Please take a look at these posts:
SQL 2012 Management Studio Download
SQL Versions compatible with Windows Server
hi bro i need to develop a data base but i don’t know what is needed software and steps
Hello. sorry for the delay, I missed your comment notification somehow. the database engine (SQL Server) will take care of maintaining the files and actual information for you. you only need to connect to it and create the tables/insert the data that your application will need. please read this: http://www.sqlservercentral.com/stairway/75773/
if you do not have access to any database server, you can download SQL Server Express edition and install it in your personal computer. cya!
thanks bro
Pingback: Express 2008 R2 management studio - [SOLVED] enterprise IT