Just a note that I updated my terse list of SQL Server 2005 release history.
I just learned that Microsoft strongly discourages us from trying to use the new SQL Express Bits (December CTP) with the Visual Studio bits that shiped with the Beta 2 or October CTP. See this from the SQLExpress Blog:
Important: If you are installing any of the Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 products (such as Microsoft Visual C++, Microsoft Visual C#, Microsoft Visual J#, Microsoft Visual Basic, or Microsoft Visual Web Developer Express edition), make sure you install only the version of SQL Server Express Edition that is included as part of the Visual Studio 2005 setup. Do not use the December CTP release of SQL Server Express Edition in an environment that contains Visual Studio 2005. This December CTP release of SQL Server Express Edition is intended only for users of the stand-alone release of SQL Server Express Edition. (ed. emphasis added)
So exactly what should you use the December release for? Well, testing XM is a good starting place. As for me, I'll be sticking with the October Bits thank you very much since XM does seem to be working OK with it.
Okay Ladies and Gents, the December CTP for SQL 2005 and SQL Express is out along with the Preview Edition of Express Manager. Here’s the download URLs. Remember, these bits aren’t even beta quality, so they’ll have issues. Microsoft may or may not help you with those. Also, you’ll need to completely uninstall all previous version of Yukon, Whidbey and other CLR v2.x products (like Express) and then install the updated CLR, reboot and install the new SQL Express version.
IMHO, if you can upgrade to the new CLR, you should. XM may work on the previous CLR bits okay, but…
.NET CLR v2.0.40903.27 (December CTP, 26,046,416 bytes): http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/A/4/9A47D72B-9D98-46CC-87F3-B92E97888E4B/dotnetfx.exe
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition v9.0.981 (December CTP, 39,913,176 bytes): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=66120BE8-826A-482A-8264-B1836F28FD79&displaylang=en
Express Manager (Preview 1, v9.0.981, 1,104,896 bytes): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=66120BE8-826A-482A-8264-B1836F28FD79&displaylang=en
Look for more about XM in my early next week.