Just curious-- did SQL Management Studio come w/ 2008 Express? The installer says that it is in the "client tools" option, however, only Native Client installs. SQLMS does...

I was actually at a Microsoft Office on 2/29, and could not get an SQL Server instance started...

You have to use an existing user acct to run the service(s) or add new one(s) via start -> programs -> administrative tools -> computer management. If you choose...

I think this is what you are looking for:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/1/5/315b8683-3765-4426-96ec-179360abb82f/Download_Instructions_ENU.htm