Small network with a old crappy CC3 DC and okish workstations.

Got a new bit of software I tried to install and as part of the install it installs a SQL Express Server. Everything else goes fine but the SQL service for the database just will not start whatsoever!

I've tried to three normal accounts from the drop down list to start it, Local Service, Network Service or Local System and all 3 fail. Also tried no end of different users, systemadmin, user with advanced rights and any others I could think off and still would not work. Added them locally to the SQL_Server_%Instance Name% group that was created and no luck. Can't do advanced user editing locally as it's disabled by GPO and even systemadmin doesn't give me access to change it!

Anyone come across this issue before?