SQL Server Express is one of the most valuable products of Microsoft. Very often, I face many questions with regard to SQL Server Express. Today, we will be covering some of the most commonly asked questions.
Q: What is the cost of SQL Server Express?
A: SQL Server Express is a FREE product from Microsoft.
Q: Where can I find more details about SQL Server Express?
A: On official Microsoft Site: http://www.microsoft.com/express/sql/default.aspx
Q: Why should I use SQL Server Express when I have full version available?
A: Usually, I install only the license version product on my system. When I do not have to use all the features of SQL Server, I install SQL Server Express.
Q: What is the maximum size per database for SQL Server Express?
A: SQL Server Express supports a maximum size of 4 GB per database, which excludes all the log files. 4 GB is not a very large size; however, if database is properly designed and the tables are properly arranged in a separate database, this limitation can be resolved to a certain extent.
Q: Can MySQL be compared with SQL Server Express as both of them are free products?
A: Yes. Both are free and have their own space. However, thus far, I have never faced a situation wherein the task that can be accomplished by using MySQL is not accomplished by SQL Server Express.
Q: Does SQL Server have sufficient help available online?
A: Yes. There are so many online help resources available for SQL Server Express that user will find strongest community for any FREE product.
Let me give you quick list of the online help resources. Even though I took some time to build this reference list, I am sure that all of you will appreciate this and will share with others, which is worth the effort!
Overview
- SQL Server 2008 Product Overview
- SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Overview
- SQL Server Express Edition Comparison
Getting Started
Installation
- Downloading SQL Server2005 SP2 Express Edition
- Installation Requirements for SQL Server Express
- Upgrading from SQL Server 2005 Express Edition to Workgroup or Standard Editions
- Installing SQL Server Express Edition
- Building and shipping applications using SQL Server Express 2005
Quick Start
- Getting Started – How To: SQL Server Express
- Walkthrough: Creating an Application by Using SQL Server Express and Visual Web Developer 2005 Express
- Managing SQL Server Express Edition with Management Studio Express
- SQL Server 2005 Express Edition User Instances
- Using the sqlcmd Utility (SQL Server Express)
- How to manage the SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE 2000) or SQL Server 2005 Express Edition by using the osql utility
- Distributing SQL Server Express
- Reporting Services in SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services
- How to: Attach a Database File to SQL Server Express
- Replication in SQL Server Express
- Embedding SQL Server Express into Custom Applications
Misc
- View SQL Server Express Edition Case Studies
- SQL Server Express Developer Infocenter
- How to verify and change the system administrator password in MSDE or SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
- How SQL Server 2005 Express Edition determines the CPU count and uses the CPUs during processing
- How to connect to an instance of SQL Server Desktop Edition or of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
- How to detect the status of the SQL Server Express service or start the SQL Server Express service by using Visual Basic or Visual C#
- How to perform full-text search related tasks in SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services
Blogs
Webcasts
- 8-Part series of Webcasts over SQL Server Express Edition
- Using Service Broker in SQL Server 2005 Express Edition for Reliable Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) Implementations (Level 300)
- Introducing SQL Server 2005 Express Edition: Your Smart Client Data Store (Level 200)
- TechNet Webcast: SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (Level 200)
Reference : Pinal Dave (http://blog.sqlauthority.com)
Very useful post Pinal (as usual)
Just wanted to add a point that is specific to SQL server 2008.
The 4 GB limitation is not applicable to FILESTREAM data. It means that a SQL Server 2008 Express database can store FILESTREAM data that is larger than 4 GB(the FILESTREAM data size is only limited by the size of the disk volume)
Thanks Sir,
It’s really useful information.
All the links are very useful.
[...] In many of the application, I do not need full featured SQL Server Enterprise Version. I just need something simple and free. This is when I use SQL Server Express Edition. You can read the complete reference over here SQL SERVER – SQL Server Express – A Complete Reference Guide. [...]
[...] You can read the complete reference over here SQL SERVER – SQL Server Express – A Complete Reference Guide. [...]
hi,
i was installed SQL Server 2005 Express Edition. In that how to create database using visual studio 2005. Please give me the details.
Thank u
Hi,
I need help with SQL Server 2008 Express on an XP Pro setup, because it has screwed up my system.
To run a simple front end of a trivial, but essential piece of software, the supplier has forced me to download and install SQL Server 2008 Express. Their instructions on how to create a new database to run with their font end caused the links to SQL… to break and I tried to uninstall it using the Control Panel. No sign of the SQL.. but the files were there in the Program Files folder.
I tried Restoring to an earlier time, but it would not go back on any restore points.
I tried to reinstall the package from the supplier, but at the end of the install, the log file shows:-
File trusted
Installing using command ‘C:\DOCUME~1\ALANPE~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\VSD8.tmp\SqlExpress2008\SQLEXPR32_x86_ENU.EXE’ and parameters ‘/q /hideconsole /action=Install /features=SQL /instancename=SQLEXPRESS /enableranu=1 /sqlsvcaccount=”NT Authority\Network Service” /AddCurrentUserAsSqlAdmin /skiprules=RebootRequiredCheck’
Process exited with code -2068643839
Status of package ‘SQL Server 2008 Express Edition’ after install is ‘InstallFailed’
Apart from sliting my throat and endin it there, how can I clear out the system and get it going again?
Signed
Desperate!!!!
Excellent article. Very good knowledge sharing. Thanks for same.
[...] You can read one of my previous article where I have covered SQL Server 2008 Express in detail SQL SERVER – SQL Server Express – A Complete Reference Guide. [...]
is it possible to upload images into the data base in sql server express edition
Hi… guys i want to MS SQL Server 2005 certification.
How would i apply for this exam. m from Mumbai which are the centers dat conduct MS examination.
[email removed]
Can I assume that SQL server 2008R2 Express can be installed on a Windows-7 (personal edition) machine??
I noticed that version 2005 could be installed on Windows-XP thus maybe 2008 can be done with a Windows-7…
Thanks!
Raul
PS. you do great work
[...] (Read more here) [...]
Hi.. I would like to ask if we can install MSSQL 2008 R2 in a server which previously has installed with SQL express? Thanks .
Yes it is possible. Have you tried it?
thats great