Is SQL Server Installation 2008 Express reliable enough to replace MS Access?

Question

I have tried to install SQL Server Express 2008 on several pcs of different brands. I have no luck or what: nearly each time I get something which prevents it from installing.

Just now I got "Performance counter registry hive consistency check" failed and solution is overwelmingly complex http://support.microsoft.com/kb/300956.

How can one choose SQL Server Express 2008 as a local pc database vs MS Access as a good choice for selling an application knowing that clients risk to encounter such unsolvable problem for most of them as they are not even expert users ?

Why do so many people push for SQL Server ? Is it really objective ?

As a User myself, I have downloaded many softwares which uses SQL Server Express 2008, since I can't install, I just gave up, I won't even complain because I fear most often they wouldn't even bother (and registering for support is always a hassle). That is companies are losing potential clients without even knowing it !

Answer 1

If you just want a local database that you can distribute with your application, do you really need the full-blown SQL Server Express, which needs to be installed?

I think an embedded database (SQL Server CE, SQLite...) is what you need.
They don't require any installation at all, you just have to distribute a few assemblies with your application.