installing SQL 2008 express and database with my vb app

[Guest]

Hi

I have built a application in vb.net pro 2008 that uses a SQL express
database

I have been able to create an installation application project that
installs the application perfect, but I am having to manually setup SQL
express and my database

I have had a look on the web with no luck, but would like to be able to
have my application instalation also install the SQL express product as
well as my database

Is this possible and where can I find a guide on how to do this ...

Thanks

 

[Andy B.]

Hi

I have built a application in vb.net pro 2008 that uses a SQL express
database

I have been able to create an installation application project that
installs the application perfect, but I am having to manually setup SQL
express and my database

I have had a look on the web with no luck, but would like to be able to
have my application instalation also install the SQL express product as
well as my database

Is this possible and where can I find a guide on how to do this ...

Thanks

1. As far as I know of, you can't create a custom installer for sql express.
You can
A. Include the sql express server install directly in your applications
install process (licensing required but is free) or
B. I think there is a way (using Visual Studio setup project) to install
prereqs before the app you created is installed.
2. The database would have to come after the sql server express is setup.
You can
A. have the sql scripts required to create the database packaged with your
app. After sql server is installed, just run the scripts from some of your
apps code (or the installer could do it) with the sql server command line
tool.
B. Have the mdf or bak file that sql server created on your dev computer
included in the installer/app itself. When sql server is installed, just
copy it to the target servers data directory and attach it with sql command
line tool.
C. Same as B but attach it from a custom folder.

If you include the server in your installer, I think the target user would
have to go through the whole sql server install process before they could
continue.

 

[Cor Ligthert[MVP]]

Did you once install SQL server with all its security settings.

It should be possible, but it is better to keep your hands away from it.