Can you install CiviCrm on Drupal using a Microsoft SQL Express database?

[delaneybill]

I have a Microsoft web platform installer version of Drupal Developer 7.0 on Windows 2008 server. Drupal installed fine using Microsoft's free database engine, SQL Server 2008 express.
But the automatic CiviCrm install (using 4.0 alpha) does not allow parameters for SQL Express, but seems to only support mySQL.
Is this a correct observation?
If so, is my only choice if I want to use CiviCrm to install mySQL first?
Thanks in advance

[Erik Hommel]

It is a correct observation, CiviCRM works with MySQL and not with SQL Server Express.
Erik

[delaneybill]

Thank you for that quick reply.
Since the auto-install option for CiviCrm indicates that Drupal is also using mySQL in the DB configuration screen, does this also mean I must have Drupal installed using mySQL.
I don't mind starting a new Drupal install for Civi just not clear on what is the optimal set of components under a Windows 2008 server.
main objective is to get CiviCRM working, not to alpha versions of everything.
Any guidance is appreciated.

[Erik Hommel]

Yes, CiviCRM would expect Drupal to be on MySQL too. Does your question mean you have Drupal installed on SQL Server Express?
For a stable configuration I would shoot for the latest Drupal 6 version, and CiviCRM 3.3.5 (the latest stable release).
Erik