DOH!!! Ok, it seems I too was SUCKED IN to some bogus info about SQL Server 2005 Express and Vista. Yes, SQL Server Express runs on Vista. More information here:
inaccuracies-in-recent-cnnmoney-com-article-about-sql-express-and-windows-vista
This just isn't good...Check out the CNN Money article about SQL Server 2005 Express NOT being compatible with Vista. A SQL Server SP is in the works to correct this. I can only imagine how many businesses have applications are out there running on XP and SQL Server Express 2005. Aren't they going to be in for a surprise when they find out those apps won't run under Vista.
Click here to read the CNN Money article.