What value should I use for the SQLSVCACCOUNT parameter when installing SQL Server Express 2008 R2 from the command line with SQLEXPRWT_x86_ENU.exe?

Question

I'm using the following command to install SQL Server Express 2008 R2 on various operating systems(Windows XP. Server 2003, Server 2008, Server 2008 R2, and 7), but I'm unsure what account to use (and why) for the SQLSVCACCOUNT parameter. This SQL Server install will be part of a web application running on the same computer, and all of it will be installed using an NSIS script.

SQLEXPRWT_x86_ENU.exe /Q /ACTION=Install /IACCEPTSQLSERVERLICENSETERMS /ROLE=AllFeatures_WithDefaults /SQLSVCACCOUNT="NT AUTHORITY\Network Service" /INSTANCENAME=SQLEXPRESS /SecurityMode=SQL /SAPWD="xxxxxxx"

Will "NT Authority\Network Service" work for all of the operating systems on my list? Or maybe I should be using a different account altogether?

Answer 1

Network service is the way to go in all operating systems, Local system grants higher privileges than you're likely to need.