SQL SERVER – 2005 NorthWind Database or AdventureWorks Database – Samples Databases

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SQL SERVER – 2005 NorthWind Database or AdventureWorks Database – Samples Databases

May 23, 2007 by pinaldave

SQL Server 2005 does not install sample databases by default due to security reasons.I have received many questions regarding where is sample database in SQL Server 2005. One can install it afterwards. AdventureWorks and AdvetureWorksDS are the new sample databases for SQL Server 2005, they can be download from here.

After installing sample databases the second most asked question is WHERE IS NORTHWIND?

Northwind database was the best sample database for SQL Server 2000. Since I started to work with AdventureWorks of SQL Server 2005, I like AdventureWorks as much as Northwind. Northwind is not the best database due to few new features of analysis and reporting service of SQL Server 2005. MSDN Book On Line (BOL) uses the AdventureWorks in all of their example and it makes it easy to follow up if proper understanding of AdventureWorks schema is developed. However, SQL Server Compact Edition uses Northwind as sample database.

If you still want to download and install Northwind and Pubs in SQL Server 2005, download them from here.

My recommendation : Start getting familiar with AdventureWorks.
UPDATE: SQL SERVER – 2005 NorthWind Database or AdventureWorks Database – Samples Databases – Part 2 explains how to restored NorthWind to SQL Server 2000 using images.

Reference : Pinal Dave (http://blog.SQLAuthority.com)

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Posted in Pinal Dave, SQL, SQL Authority, SQL Download, SQL Query, SQL Server, SQL Tips and Tricks, T SQL, Technology | Tagged Northwind, SQL Server Express | 71 Comments

71 Responses

on May 25, 2007 at 9:58 am | Reply Ravi

great Job.

Thanks,
Ravi.
- on November 10, 2010 at 2:26 pm | Reply baybilei
  
  gud day sir…
  i’m just a newbies regarding a sql server 2008..can you help me to find a site where i can download simple exercises on it..
  thank you
  - on November 11, 2010 at 1:50 pm | Reply madhivanan
    
    A good way is to read questions asked in the forums
    - on November 12, 2010 at 4:11 pm | Reply baybilei
      
      sir sql server 2008 already installed and i already create a sample database on it and create a table.but once i close it and open it again an error is occured here’s the error:
      
      Cannot connect to ST-AADO87B6E61E
      
      Additional inforamation:
      Login failde for user ‘ST-AADO87B6E61E\student’
      (Microsoft SQL Server, ERROR:18456)
      
      Thank sir
      ‘
- on August 7, 2011 at 11:50 am | Reply Naveed Arain
  
  I am new in SQL Server 2005, I have installed SQL SErver 2005 standard edition in my PC and it is working fine but its not working in my Laptop
  I have WIN 7 installed in my Laptop
  Please help and respond
on June 13, 2007 at 6:44 pm | Reply Graham

I realize I am not your intended audience. I am an aspiring programmer. I should point out that the introductory video for C# 2005 Express uses the Northwind sample. Obvioulsy and oversight on MS’s part, but may explain people like me looking for the download. Thanks for the blog.
on June 15, 2007 at 7:23 am | Reply SQL SERVER - 2005 NorthWind Database or AdventureWorks Database - Samples Databases - Part 2 Journey to SQL Authority with Pinal Dave

[...] pinaldave I have mentioned the history of NorthWind, Pubs and AdventureWorks in my previous post SQL SERVER – 2005 NorthWind Database or AdventureWorks Database – Samples Databases. I have been receiving very frequent request for NorthWind Database for SQL Server 2005 and [...]
on August 13, 2007 at 5:47 am | Reply Ahmed

i was workin in SQL server 2000 with northwin database ,
during my exercise i made changes to the data ..
i would like to undo what i`ve done .. who do i ???
on October 22, 2007 at 5:13 am | Reply Danko

Great post, but I have 1 question. Where can I find the bigpubs2005 database>
Thanx
on November 7, 2007 at 12:59 pm | Reply Pradeep

I want to assign an insert task to Job, how can i write job in SQL server to insert.
on November 13, 2007 at 11:15 am | Reply Pavan Kulkarni

Thanks for the info!
on January 8, 2008 at 8:30 pm | Reply Rajib Paul Choudhury

Hi,

Now it moves to the other site of microsoft, find below the links for details:

http://www.codeplex.com/MSFTDBProdSamples/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=8392

Thanks and Regards
Rajib
on January 24, 2008 at 6:05 pm | Reply Dharmendra Dixit

Dear Panel…

can u please explain..how to assign JOBs in Server 2005

Regards
Dharmendra
on February 15, 2008 at 10:18 am | Reply john

Urgent need help from anybody reg.SSIS Packages on 64 bit

We are currently facing the problem with building 64 Bit SSIS pacakages(located on DB Server..which is 2003 Server Edition, 64 Bit) with connecting 32 bit oracle(loaded on the App Server..Windows 2003, 32 bit) in Business Intelligent Development Studio(Integration Services) with Sql Server 2005 64 Bit. We have installed 64 bit Oracle client and network tools and drivers on Database Server(DB Server), but we are still unable to connect from to Oracle from the BIDS for making the 64 bit SSIS packages.

Please give guide me towards the steps for testing SSIS packages which are in 64 bit Using XML files?

how to proceed towards making these packages??

Thanks
on March 7, 2008 at 11:52 pm | Reply PShah

Hello,

I have recently installed Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and running MS SQL server Management Studio version 9. Some reason “AdventureWorks” default/sample database is not there. Could you please give me a direction to download the sample database and which file do I need to use? Once I downloaded, what’s SQL command to run in command window.

Thanks,
on March 18, 2008 at 1:17 am | Reply aay

why not just tell us where to get the data sample for 2005
on March 19, 2008 at 1:59 pm | Reply John

Thanks for ur information.

Regards
John
on May 2, 2008 at 4:32 pm | Reply rama

plz send, how to insert multiple rows in a table in sql server2005
on May 26, 2008 at 9:00 pm | Reply Ali

Hello
I need a sample database of SQL Server 2005 (prefered AdentureWorks), please send it to my eMail if it is posible.
thank you.
on June 13, 2008 at 4:20 pm | Reply pradeep jagadeesan

I am unable to attach Adventure works databases. I am getting an error to check DBCC check index. What might be the probable causes to get such error.
on July 16, 2008 at 9:59 pm | Reply wilson

thanks,
i need ms sql server 2000 soft ware,which i can use for my practise at home to understand how it works better.i will greatly please if you can asist me on how to get a free download setup.thanks you are doing a great job.

wilson.
on July 17, 2008 at 3:09 am | Reply Imran Mohammed

@Wilson,

SQL Server has different Editions,

1. Enterprise Edition – All features, very costly
2. Standard Edition – Almost all features, less costly
3. developer edition – All features ( FREE SQL Server 2000) , (~ $50 For SQL Server 2005).
4. Express Edition – very limited features. FREE.
and few other editions…..

So you might want to download, either SQL Server 2000 Developer edition or SQL Server 2005 Express edition , both are free, google it and you will find links.

Hope this helps.
Thanks
Imran.
on July 21, 2008 at 1:00 am | Reply BAHMAN

Hi.
you’re great man.thanks a lot.
Bahman
on July 21, 2008 at 1:02 am | Reply BAHMAN

thanks

I have a question, what is northwind and where is it from?is that a data base from a leisure centre? I really appreciate if you help me and email me the answer.

best regards,
Bahman
on August 22, 2008 at 5:27 pm | Reply mohan

i am using sql server 2005 express edition…
i dont have adventureworks db.

how can i get this database.?

thanks..

regards
mohan
on August 23, 2008 at 2:52 am | Reply omosh

It is under the releases tab here:

http://www.codeplex.com/MSFTDBProdSamples/release/projectReleases.aspx?releaseid=4004
on September 5, 2008 at 4:46 pm | Reply James

Hi
I am using sql 2005 Dev ver 9 and I need to know how to create a database on my local hard drive. Wont allow me since it defaults connection to my network. I need to create a database on my hard drive when I am not connected.
Please help.

thanks
James
on October 6, 2008 at 3:02 am | Reply Scott Bateman

Recently, I wanted to populate some sample databases in my fresh 2008 environment on Vista. I hit a couple snags, so this post may be useful for the community.

http://codeslammer.wordpress.com/2008/10/05/sql-server-2008-sample-databases/

Thanks for the guidance!
on October 21, 2008 at 6:20 pm | Reply realgt

heres where to get the sample database:
http://www.codeplex.com/SqlServerSamples
on October 30, 2008 at 11:28 pm | Reply Fritz Schenk

The MVC Framework for .net uses Northwind.
on November 10, 2008 at 4:32 pm | Reply Sagar

This is very helpful for me.. Thanks a lot..
on December 16, 2008 at 12:51 am | Reply Paul Smietan

Great info – thank you!

-Paul Smietan
on December 21, 2008 at 10:43 am | Reply Jeffrey Wang

Clicked your AdventureWorks link and the first .msi file of the second link, I downlloaded the AdventureWorksDB.msi to my database server machine.

http://www.codeplex.com/SqlServerSamples
http://www.codeplex.com/MSFTDBProdSamples/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=4004

I downloaded the AdventureWorks.msi to a C:\ folder with Master DB and a e:\ folder with user DB.
Running AdventureWorks.msi from either folder, received the “not a valid installation package for the product AdventureWorkDB” error message.

Why? Different SQL 2005 version has different AdventureWorks package?
on December 25, 2008 at 9:48 am | Reply Alok Joshi

Hi Friends,

I wonder if any of you can help. I tried downloading AdventureWorksLT from http://www.codeplex.com but the site does not work. After clicking on file to downlaod and clicking on I Agree button nothing happens?!
on February 4, 2009 at 2:08 pm | Reply Nash

i am trying to work in sql server 2005, i want some sample data base other than the tarditional northwind and puds database. And also some please give me some ebooks so that i can learn the SQL querys very fast..
on February 21, 2009 at 7:30 am | Reply jai

I have downloaded adventureworks Db .But now i Can not see thayt in the Studios.What to Do .Also tell me if there is a good tutorial for learning Stored procedures.Thanks
on February 23, 2009 at 12:30 pm | Reply Rakesh

Thanks for this information,i was loooking for these information for longtime…thanks
on February 24, 2009 at 5:38 pm | Reply SQLAuthority News - Best Articles on SQLAuthority.com Journey to SQL Authority with Pinal Dave

[...] SQL SERVER – 2005 NorthWind Database or AdventureWorks Database – Samples Databases [...]
on March 19, 2009 at 1:31 am | Reply John Smith

Seems like AdventureWorks only is supported by SQL Server 2008 now…

see this error message (running SQL Server 2005 from inside of Visual Studio 2008 under Vista):

—————————
Microsoft Visual Studio
—————————
The database ‘C:\USERS\USER\DOCUMENTS\ADVENTUREWORKS 2008 LT\ADVENTUREWORKSLT2008_DATA.MDF’ cannot be opened because it is version 655. This server supports version 612 and earlier. A downgrade path is not supported.

Could not open new database ‘C:\USERS\USER\DOCUMENTS\ADVENTUREWORKS 2008 LT\ADVENTUREWORKSLT2008_DATA.MDF’. CREATE DATABASE is aborted.

An attempt to attach an auto-named database for file C:\Users\USER\Documents\AdventureWorks 2008 LT\AdventureWorksLT2008_Data.mdf failed. A database with the same name exists, or specified file cannot be opened, or it is located on UNC share.
—————————
OK
—————————
on March 26, 2009 at 7:56 pm | Reply parvaneh

Hi
I am using sql 2005 ver 9 and I need to download northwind in my database but I dont have it and I dont know how can I install it in my sql server please help me
- on December 11, 2009 at 3:38 pm | Reply chetan
  
  i have downloaded adventureworksdb.msi and installed successfuly.as well as i have attached that database also.
  when i try to write query using any tables from adventureworks it gives me following error
  ‘ Invalid Object Name’
  Can any on pls guide me about this ?
  how to get rid of this error.
  - on June 10, 2010 at 5:50 am | Reply Ankit Shah
    
    If you get the solution of your problem plz forward me the solution because having same problem i am facing with sql 2005 Adventureworks DB.
    Thank you
on July 12, 2009 at 9:17 pm | Reply Cristobal Rodriguez

I successfully installed AdventureWork Database , but I just can’t open the diagrams. The error “does not have a valid owner”…. I went to Files page on the Database Properties dialog box and there is not owner, but does not let add one… What it can be?…. Any help it will be greatly appreciate!!!
Thanks!!!
Cristobal.
on September 16, 2009 at 3:22 pm | Reply Dharmendra Dixit

@Rama,

you can insert muptiple rows b using UNION All is SQL SERVER2005
on October 22, 2009 at 12:21 pm | Reply Anvesh

Thank you It is very helpful
- on December 11, 2009 at 9:13 pm | Reply chetan
  
  i have downloaded adventureworksdb.msi and installed successfuly.as well as i have attached that database also.
  when i try to write query using any tables from adventureworks it gives me following error
  ‘ Invalid Object Name’
  Can any on pls guide me about this ?
  how to get rid of this error.
on December 12, 2009 at 10:48 pm | Reply Imran Mohammed

@Chetan

Can you please tell us what is the query that you are executing.

Execute this command and check what it returns.

Script:
Select Db_Name() as DatabaseName

When you run above script, this should return adventureworks as output, this means, you are connected to right database. Other wise, you need to run below script before you run your query

Use adventureworks
go
execute your query.

If this does not solves your issue, please share with us your query that gives you error. and also please post complete error message. This would help us resolve your issue quickly and accurately.

~ IM.
on December 23, 2009 at 10:46 pm | Reply Meena

Can I get SalesDB & Vendor database scripts, their .mdf & .ldf files??

Can u plz send me it in my email ID?
on January 8, 2010 at 4:02 pm | Reply sandeep

Hi
I am using sql 2005 and I need to download Adventure/northwind in my database but I dont have it and I dont know how can I install it in my sql server please help me
on January 22, 2010 at 2:28 pm | Reply jeyanthi

sir,
why we are using adventureworks,go in sql queries in sql 2005.but already we are using quries without “Go and AdventureWorks”.
Please tell me the Reason sir
Thanks
on March 17, 2010 at 12:34 pm | Reply ramprasad

pls tell me the sql sever expression edition2005 in 64bit free download link
and tell how to install that
on March 19, 2010 at 4:31 pm | Reply ranjie

Sir I have most perfusion of complexity with adventureworks. Plenty times sql experience and most plentiful my knowledge. Much much problem task take away good and timely running of the service not knowing how this can be,
on April 9, 2010 at 11:57 am | Reply rino raju

HI sir

i need the Northwind sample database .mdf and ldf file for SQL Server 2005 where can i find it .pls reply
on May 7, 2010 at 5:20 pm | Reply sikha

hi,

how i to delete the triggers from a database in SQL Server 2005. pls reply
- on May 7, 2010 at 6:27 pm | Reply Brian Tkatch
  
  @sikha
  
  DREOP TRIGGER triggername;
- on May 7, 2010 at 6:27 pm | Reply Brian Tkatch
  
  @sikha
  
  DROP TRIGGER triggername;
on June 30, 2010 at 9:13 pm | Reply islam elkhadawey

my ( sample soft database.mdf ) is lost and i don’t know what i can do to recover it please help me. sql server-2005
on July 6, 2010 at 4:06 am | Reply fahad

you are one of the good in SQL Thanks.
Fahad Ansari.
on November 4, 2010 at 4:44 pm | Reply Hung Pham

Hi dave:
I am new to SQL Server. I have successfully installed .Net Framework 3.5.1, SQL Server 2008 developer version (on Windows Vista Home edition) and AdventureWork sample database per your suggestions on your web site. But I just can’t see the diagrams. When I click at the DB on the left side, windows on the right side is Blank instead of showing the diagrams of each table.
What did I do wrong? or do I need more new SW missing?…. If so, please give me links for download. Any help it will be greatly appreciate!!!
Thanks!!!
Hung
on December 17, 2010 at 8:18 pm | Reply suhasini

dear sir,
i need sample database for transaction database..if u can send it to my email.
on March 1, 2011 at 6:42 pm | Reply Pawan

Sir ,i want to know that what is use of sample database. i installed AdventureWorksDB .how is it use for project/application
plz send mail for it.
- on March 3, 2011 at 1:59 pm | Reply madhivanan
  
  You can try out the examples given in SQL Server help file on AdventureWorksDB
on March 12, 2011 at 10:00 pm | Reply pratibha

how can i install sql server on windows 2007
on April 19, 2011 at 1:43 pm | Reply Reza

Good day Sir

I’ve just started familiarising myself with SQL and programming in general again. I’ve installed SQL Server 2005 Express successfully and downloaded the AdventureWorks sample database. I’m sure you aware that the database cannot be attached using the Control Panel/Program Features in Windows 7 as there is no option to add to the current SQL 2005 Express installation. How else can I add the DB, is there a script I can run perhaps?

Thanks!
on July 18, 2011 at 5:58 pm | Reply Ahmad

Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just i wnt thanks you for your good website.
thanks………………
on September 11, 2011 at 2:34 pm | Reply Pratima

Well when i tried connecting to adventure works database from visual studio 2008, i get many errors on the web browser, but when i connect to northwind or pubs database i get the orignal database on the browser, why does it happen with adventureworks??
on October 12, 2011 at 4:29 pm | Reply sushmita

AUD CHF DKK EUR
AUD 1.3691 1 1.10634 0.18393 1.3691

i want to calculate
aud / aud (=1.3691000000/1.3691000000) = 1
aud / chf (=1.3691000000/ 1.2375000000) = 1.106343434
aud / dkk (=1.3691000000/ 7.4432) = 0.183939703
aud / eur (=1.3691000000/ 1) = 1.3691

AUD CHF DKK EUR
CHF 1.2375 0.90387 1 0.16625 1.2375
likewise
chf / chf (= 1.2375000000 / 1.2375000000 )= 1
chf / aud (= 1.2375000000 / 1.3691000000 )= 0.90387
chf / dkk (= 1.2375000000 /7.4432 ) = 0.16625
chf / dkk (= 1.2375000000 /1 ) = 1.2375

AUD CHF DKK EUR
DKK 7.4432 5.43656 6.01470 1 7.4432
so..on

AUD CHF DKK EUR
EUR 1 0.73040 0.80808 0.13435 1

My query is
SELECT
DISTINCT
Curncy_Info_Cur.Currency AS Curncy,
Curncy_Info_Rate.Spot_Rate AS Spot_Rate
FROM
Curncy_Info AS Curncy_Info_Cur
LEFT OUTER JOIN Curncy_Info AS Curncy_Info_Rate ON Curncy_Info_Cur.Currency=Curncy_Info_Rate.Currency
AND Curncy_Info_Rate.Period=(SELECT Net_Status.Netting_Period FROM Net_Status WHERE Net_Status.Netting_Status=’1′ AND Net_Status.Phase=’netting’ )
ORDER BY Curncy_Info_Cur.Currency

gives output below

AUD 1.3691
CHF 1.2375
DKK 7.4432
EUR 1
GBP 0.867
JPY 103.896
MXN 18.0583
NZD 1.74431
PLN 4.328
THB 41.91
USD 1.3563
ZAR 0
on October 12, 2011 at 4:32 pm | Reply sushmita

hello pls can you help me regarding the post above as i am stuck and not able to do crosstab query or pivot

thanx in advance
- on October 12, 2011 at 7:02 pm | Reply madhivanan
  
  Refer this post and ask us if you have any specific doubt
  http://beyondrelational.com/blogs/madhivanan/archive/2008/08/27/dynamic-pivot-in-sql-server-2005.aspx
on February 7, 2013 at 9:24 pm | Reply Abhishek Kashyap

Dear all members
Regards to all
I am new to SQL server Infact I am more in writting code for C#, asp.net but sql was never my cup of tea. But I feel database is like a backbone for a developer so please guide me how can I be good in t-sql, in complex queries.

Thanks & Regards
on May 25, 2013 at 7:00 am | Reply SQL SERVER – Weekly Series – Memory Lane – #030 | SQL Server Journey with SQL Authority

[…] NorthWind Database or AdventureWorks Database – Samples Databases Where can you find Northwind database and how can you install it – this is very simple basic blog which can do the same. […]