A Vista system shows an error message when trying to upgrade SQL server 2005

[#1]

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario

• You  have tried to update Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Service Pack 3 (KB955706) via MIcrosoft Update and I get a "failed" message

• You have also tried a direct download from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=3181842a-4090-4431-acdd-9a1c832e65a6&displa...

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Service Pack 3  (File Name: SQLEXPR32.EXE)

• A direct download from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ae7387c3-348c-4faa-8ae5-949fdfbe59c4&displa....

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 3 (File Name: SQLServer2005SP3-KB955706-x86-ENU.exe)

You my still get a failed message persistently during the installation 

Diagnosis

Windows Vista systems running SQL server 2005 express editions 

Solution

SQL server 2005 is not compatible with Windows vista.In order to run it successfully you need to upgrade to SQL server 2008.It is a fully compatible version with Vista and above