Deploy SQL Server 2005 Express as part of a program install?

[Amesville]

Hi Folks

OK I've changed my SQL Server 2008 Express database to a SQL Server 2005 Express database to hopefully make it easier to re-distribute as a part of an install package for my program. I've been studying this over the last few days and I have read that I should use a "Bootstrap" program to call the SQLEXPR.EXE program that installs SQL Server 2005 Express from my install package and not to bundle it in with it, OK. I'll sork on that, but I also have read that it's possible to use a config file to direct the install to do certain things, like check for an already existing installation od SQL Server 2005 EXPRESS, create an Named instance that won't interfere with an already installed version on SQL Server 2005 Express if there already is one, and to run a script that will install all the tables, data and stored procedures needed by the program.

Please, can anyone give me a push in the right direction on this? I have been looking bot have no idea where to start with this. Thank you.

Craig

 

[gmmastros]

Installing via command line vs. using a config file doesn't really matter. What's important is that you'll need to know the parameters to use.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.90).aspx

The previous page is for SQL2005, the list of parameters and configuration options change for each version, so you'll want to make sure you are using the correct documentation.

To create a named instance, take a look at the INSTANCENAME parameter. To enable remote connections, take a look at DISABLENETWORKPROTOCOLS. There are a ton of other parameters that are available, but the page I linked above should be everything you need to install SQL Express.

-George
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
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