SQL Server Reporting Services reports are defines in the XML Report Definition Language (RDL). Although it is possible to create a report by hand by using a simple text editor it is not advisable instead you can use Microsoft Visual Studio with the included Business Intelligence Projects plug-in found on your SQL Server CD-ROM or DVD.

The instructions below are for SQL Server 2008.

1. Insert your SQL Server CD\DVD into the drive. If it does not autorun then start the setup.exe file from he root directory.
   
   Note: You may be prompted to say that this product is incompatible just ignore the error by selecting "Run program” as we are not going to install SQL Server itself.
   
    
2. You will be prompted with the “SQL Server Installation Centre” dialog.
   Click Installation on the menu on the left.
3. Select the first option which should read. New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation.
   
   Note: You may again be prompted to say that this product in incompatible. Select "Run program” again.
    
4. Click OK after the checks (Setup Support Rules) are complete and no errors are reported.
5. Next you will be asked to enter your product key. Do so and then click Next.
6. Read and accept the license terms. Click Next to confirm.
7. Click Install to install the Setup Support Files. Wait until it completes installing.
8. Another set of checks (Setup Support Rules) will. Click Next once they are complete and no errors are reported.
   
   
    
9. The Feature Selection dialog page will appear. Select “Business Intelligence Development Studio” and click Next
   
   
    
10. Click Next on the Disk Space Requirements page.
11. Click Next again
12. More checks (Installation Rules) will run. Click Next when done and no errors are reported.
13. Click Install to begin.
    
    
     
14. Wait for the installation to complete.
15. Click Next
16. Click Close
17. Close any extra windows that are left open and you are done.