According to this page, SQL Server 2008 Express Edition with Advanced Services includes Fulltext search:
http://www.microsoft.com/express/sql/download/
However, I downloaded it, ran it, and I see no sign of it. There is no fulltext service, and when I try to do anything to do with fulltext it says
Msg 7609, Level 17, State 5, Line 1
Full-Text Search is not installed, or a full-text component cannot be loaded.
When I run the re-installer to add features, I still don't see it. It claims I have everything installed.
Any ideas?
Best Answer
Judging by the screenshot, you downloaded the "Runtime with Management Tools" instead of "Runtime with Advanced Services" which includes Fulltext and Reporting Services. The x64 installer for SQL Server 2008 Express Edition with Advanced Services is here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/e/9/b/e9bcf5d7-2421-464f-94dc-0c694ba1b5a4/SQLEXPRADV_x64_ENU.exe