Hello, please see the article Virtual Machine Explorer to Data Protector Express on the support portal, outlining the process: Virtual Machine Explorer to Data Protector Express (microfocus.com)

That link is just to the document explaining that we have to migrate.

What I'm looking for is a description of how to install and configure DPE to match our VMX VM list and task schedules.

Even getting a trial of DPE is difficult, when the order number from my current MicroFocus License Certificate doesn't grant access to the download.

Hello Bill, I asked the DP team to provide the information! 

Hello Bill,

you can get a DP (Express) Trial here:
https://www.microfocus.com/en-us/products/data-protector-backup-recovery-software/free-trial
It gives you full access to the complete functionatity for 90 days.

During that time you can migrate your VMX Licenses to DP Express via:
https://sld.microfocus.com/mysoftware/index

In case of trouble, you can contact the License Delivery Centre:
https://sld.microfocus.com/mysoftware/contact/getLicenseCenter

From the technical point of view, DP and DP Express are the same products, its just another kind of license.
Reference: https://www.microfocus.com/media/guide/data-protector-licensing-guide.pdf

You need to install DP Express based on the guidelines in the documentation:
https://docs.microfocus.com/doc/Data_Protector/11.03/InstallLanding

There is no procedure to take over configuration items, backup data, backup tasks or backup schedules from VMX to DP Express.
That means: After you have installed DP Express, you need to define a new backup target, import the Hypervisors und set up new backup tasks.

Feel free to let us know if you are running into any issue or have questions.

Best regards,
Michael Funke