Specific steps for installing the ArcSDE component or upgrading ArcSDE geodatabases vary depending on your database management system (DBMS), operating system (OS), and whether you are installing a new version of the ArcSDE component or a service pack or patch. It is, therefore, very important that you read the installation documentation provided with your software prior to installing or upgrading.
Installing the ArcSDE component with ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Engine to be used with ArcSDE geodatabases for SQL Server Express
When you install ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Engine, the ArcSDE component files are built into the installation. To use the ArcSDE component with ArcGIS Desktop (ArcEditor or ArcInfo) or ArcGIS Engine, you install an instance of SQL Server Express, then enable it to store ArcSDE geodatabases.
The instructions and files for new installations and upgrades for these geodatabases are provided on the ArcInfo and ArcEditor ArcGIS Desktop DVD; the ArcGIS Engine DVD; or, if you are using ArcGIS Server Workgroup, the ArcGIS Server Workgroup media.
Installing the ArcSDE component with ArcGIS Server Enterprise
You will find the installation and upgrade files and guides you need on the ArcSDE component DVD in your ArcGIS Server Enterprise media kit. Choose the ArcSDE component installation based on the database type and OS you will be using.
Installing service packs and patches
Service packs and patches are downloaded from the ESRI support site. They have their own installation instructions along with a description of the issues addressed and a list of the files that are updated as a result of installing the service pack or patch.
To apply a service pack or patch to an ArcSDE geodatabase for SQL Server Express, you apply the service pack or patch to the ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Engine application. There is no separate ArcSDE service pack or patch to apply.
