Saturday, July 12, 2008

Adding Northwind Pub Database to SQL Server 2005

SQL Server 2005 doesn't include the Pubs and Northwind databases.

  • You can click here to download (.msi) the latest version of Pub and Northwind sample databases .
  • Install .msi file. It will create binary files (.mdf , .ldf) and SQL scripts (.sql) files.

Installing sample databases from the Management Studio GUI:

  • This method will use binary files.
  • Copy .mdf and .ldf files back to SQL DATA folder like c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\DATA\. This path varies somewhat depending how many instances of SQL Server you have on your machine.
  • Open SQL Server 2005.
  • Right-click the root database
  • Click "Attach"
  • Click the "Add" button and choose the *.mdf file from the \Data folder
  • Click OK

Installing sample databases from the command line:

  • This method will use SQL scripts files.
  • Click the "New Query" toolbar button
  • Cut and paste the contents of the instnwnd.sql or instpubs.sql scripts in the query window
  • Hit F5 button to run.

Use the technology!!!