Have a bet .... curious on input :)

So I have a person who is adamant in tell me that SQL Server does not run on windows XP.

Now, I have already done all the research on this (i.e. sql server 2000 product page / requirements) and know the answer, but they insist on asking the question, so here it is .....

'Will SQL Server run on Windows XP'

A simple YES or NO will suffice; however, if you want to explain the answer (if it requires one ;) ), please feel free.

YES and NO . Depends on what version of SQL Server you want to install. MSDE/SQL Server Express work. Also is the Developer Edition of SQL Server. But with the Enterprise Edition I think you're out of luck... it won't install.|||

Mike's right... it's a little trickier than Yes/No. :)

Here is the SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition page:

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/editions/enterprise/sysreqs.mspx

You can see that XP is not supported for the Enterprise SKU, but it is supported for the Standard SKU (as with Workgroup and Express SKU's). The standard SKU page is found here if you need proof for your bet. :)

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/editions/standard/sysreqs.mspx

Thanks,
Sam Lester (MSFT)

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i'm well aware of this as its covered in the product information page.

However, this person claims that 'SQL Server' automatically states you are talking about the Enterprise / Standard Editions wihch do not run on XP. My point is that 'SQL Server' without stating which edition is vague and the statement SQL Server WILL NOT run on XP is invalid because SQL Server is not a product but a product family. If one is talking about SQL Server without specifying, it would be talking about hte family of products.

If the question were ' Does SQL Server - Enterprise Edition run on XP', I would agree the answer is no. I would also agree 'Does SQL Server Developer run on XP, I would agree that answer is yes. However, if the ONLY question posed is 'Does SQL Server on XP', I would argue the answer is yes (with the above clarification attached to that. The statement 'SQL Server 2000 does NOT run on XP' would be false for the reason that SQL Server (without specificying which edition) is a general statement about the product family and that is incorrect as parts of the family DO run on XP.

I apologize for the splitting of hairs, but I was just curious on other people's take on this one.