Please refer to this post for step by step installation guide of SQL Server Denali (possibly SQL 2011) with screen prints. However please note that this is an installation from CTP1 as available at http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/en/us/product-info/future-editions.aspx as of now. Future release or final release may not be exactly same but should be very similer. Step 1: Select the installation type. (I am selecting New SQL Server Standalone installation) Step 2: Setup should pass all the setup support rules. Then click OK to proceed. Step 3: Install Setup Support Files by clicking on “Install” button. Step 4: Setup should pass setup support rules. You may ignore warnings and go ahead based on case to case basis. Click Next to continue. Step 5: Select Edition or specify the key. (For volume licensing, key should be auto populated in released versions). Here I am selecting Enterprise Evaluation here. Click Next to continue. Step 6: Accept license terms and click Continue.