The SQLExpress application is developed  by the Microsoft corporation. There is no "special "Bentley" build of the SQL Express application. The application delivered is the exact same version available for free from Microsoft.  The nameing conventions discussed in this docuement are generic. You can use names more specifc to your environment. For example naming the databse SQLExpress_2012 was just a choice. You can very well name the databse (abc123) as long as you are consistent with identifying the databes by that desginated name.

Creating an Instance of an SQL Database

Navigate to the SelectServer_09_xx_xx_xx folder (by default this is
found at c\bentleydownloads) and choose the SQLEXPR3_2.EXE OR SQLEXPR_64.EXE and
take the following steps.

For this example I am iinstalling SQL 2012 on a Server 2008 R2 64 bit.. The process is exactly the same for SQL server 2008 and 20012.

Run SQLEXPR_x64_ENU.exe:  Right-Click (RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR). Be Patient.

GO to OPTIONS and ensure you install the version that matches your System (32 or 64 ) bits.

Go to INSTALLATION and SELECT: New SQL Standalone installation (upper right)

Accept the Licensing

Terms:

Instance Configuration: Name the instance: NEXT. For this example I choose SQLExpress_2012

Server configurations: Take the Defaults and NEXT

Database Engine Configuration:
Choose MIXED Mode and enter a “STRONG WINDOWS “password.  Select NEXT

Error Reporting:  (DEFAULT) NEXT

Installing Progress:

Complete:  CLOSE

CLOSE THE SQL SERVER INSTALLER CENTER!!!!!

Configuring the installed SELECTServer application to use the the new SQL Express instance.

Open the Database Setup Tool for the START button.

Direct the application to the new INSTANCE NAME in our case "SQLExpress_2012" and enter the proper password for the INSTANCE. The user name is still “sa”.  SELECT OK

Create a new Database: Select the “NEW” button and name the database.

It will now tell you the database is not configured so select “OK” to allow the system to build the database schema.

You’ll see the scripts run

Database Setup Tool dialog box closes.

Open the Administrative site and follow normal configurations steps using the SELECTServer installation wizard.