WES Installation - DB cannot be used

>I get the noted installation error message:
> Specified SQL Server cannot be used for Windows Embedded Standard
> database.
>
> SQL Server: (local)
>
> The selected SQL Server is not supported. To continue, please select a
> supported SQL Server. See the Installation Guide for a list of
> supported SQL Servers.
>
>
> However, for the fix "Uninstall MS SQL 2000 and Microsoft database
> engines, and install MS SQL 2005 or higher versions of database
> engine." -- I had already upgraded the SQL Server installation
> (local) to SQL Server 8.0.760 (express).
>
> Does anyone have a resolution or suggested workaround?
> I was trying to install WES without doing something drastic, like a
> nuke and re-install.