SQL Express scripted install - need to build a program that needs SQL express backend, want to make installer for it as well

  • The more I think about this the crazier it seems.... but here goes:

    We have a bunch of clients who submit batch files to us using XML.

    We want to build a program they can download that will create an SQL database with specified tables, and then run a query against it to spit out an XML file.

    Then the clients can upload said XML file to us for their batch file.

    They would only need to do the ETL to populate the database we provide them, and not worry about how to get it into XML.

    The problem is if we do this they would need to have SQL server installed.

    So we wanted to examine creating a scripted install of SQL express so they could download it, run the install and then it would setup SQL express exactly how I need it. Them my program runs, creates the tables, sprocs, etc... and then they can use it to generate XML files to upload to us.

    Is there any other way to do that?

    There is no other way to work with XML databases other than having SQL express/full server installed right?

    So I have to get the clients to install SQL server first and or script out an installer for them?

  • There is no other way to work with XML databases other than having SQL express/full server installed right?

    So I have to get the clients to install SQL server first and or script out an installer for them?

    You could silent install SQL Server Express for your clients and also create the database with ADO.NET Command Object ExecuteNonQuery. Check below for more about silent install.

    http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vssetup/thread/cadad35f-d229-41b0-8a8e-8bbd795cba47

    Kind regards,
    Gift Peddie

  • That makes sense.

    Though I would have to host the entire install file on my servers right?

    No way around that really?

  • Maxer (12/3/2010)


    That makes sense.

    Though I would have to host the entire install file on my servers right?

    No way around that really?

    I think this version by Microsoft you could send your client a DVD or CD.

    http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb264562.aspx

    Kind regards,
    Gift Peddie

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