Following Jon's lead of work on the weekend, I decided to make it easier to install Rainbow.  I first created a solid SQL 2005 express pre-installed version and then made a template from it.

 

First about my SQL 2005 Express version:  This version will work on any drive and only requires a db engine for the db to attach to [Any SQL Server 2005 product will do.  I am using Express only].  It’s good for testing multiple version of Rainbow as all is required is a copy/paste to get another portal running.

 

Making the kit has been an issue [of course its gotta be hardJ].  I got the template to export to a correct zip and have the correct files in but VS 2005 won’t recognize it. I’m sure its just my VS 2005 not liking me and if anyone is willing to test my template out, Ill post it.

 

Below is my first screenshot of my pre-installed rainbow. Keep in mind, you no longer have to setup SQL server or run scripts.  All you have to do is make sure the connection string points to your db.  I have it like the Club Starter kit where the db points to the default directory and the db to attach is SQL Express.

 

 

Translation:  If you have 2.0| SQL Server express [ bothfree], you can get rainbow up in 2 minutes.

 

screeny: