SQL SERVER – 2005 NorthWind Database or AdventureWorks Database – Samples Databases – Part 2

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 installation method.

Follow the steps carefully and it will install Northwind and Pubs database in SQL Server without any issue. I have tested all the three methods on my home computer and attached the screen shots as well.

Common Step for all the 3 methods

First, go to Microsoft Download Center and download SQL2000SampleDb.msi.
Run SQL2000SampleDb.msi it will create “C:\SQL Server 2000 Sample Databases” folder.
Now follow any of the following three methods to install this database. I have listed methods in order of my preference.

Method 1: Running SQLCMD
Navigate to this folder using command prompt. Start >> Run >> C:\SQL Server 2000 Sample Databases.
If you have installed SQL Server as named instance run following command.

c:\>sqlcmd -S .\InstanceName -i instpubs.sql
c:\>sqlcmd -S .\InstanceName -i instnwnd.sql

If you have installed SQL Server as default instance run following command.

c:\>sqlcmd -i instpubs.sql
c:\>sqlcmd -i instnwnd.sql

Verify that NorthWind and Pubs database are installed correctly.
Method 2: Running SQL Script
Open SQL Server Management Studio. Go to File >> Open >> Navigate to “C:\SQL Server 2000 Sample Databases\instpubs.sql” and “C:\SQL Server 2000 Sample Databases\instnwnd.sql” and run those SQL files in order. This will install the database.

Method3: Attaching the Database
Move Northwind and Pubs database files (MDF and LDF files) to your default database file location (usually – C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Data).
Open SQL Server Management Studio. Expand the database node >> Right click on Databases >> Click on Attach >> Select NorthWind Database. It will automatically find MDF and LDF file. Click OK.

Repeat the process for Pubs and verify that databases are installed correctly.

Reference: Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com), Read-Me file in the installation folder, BOL