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  • 04/26/2012

SQL Server 2005 Express Edition

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition is a free, easy to use, redistributable version of SQL Server 2005 designed for building simple data-driven applications. Developers can design schemas, add data, and query local databases, all inside the Visual Studio 2005 environment. If developers need more advanced database features, then SQL Server 2005 Express Edition can be seamlessly upgraded to more sophisticated versions of SQL Server. Get this version of SQL Server free, today!

Important Note: Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE) will not be supported on the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. If you plan to build an application and redistribute a database with it, you should consider using SQL Server 2005 Express Edition instead. For more information, see Running SQL Server on Windows Vista.

 

Download SQL Server Express Edition SP2 Download SQL Server Express Edition SP2

Download SQL Server Express Edition SP2, SQL Server Express with Advanced Services SP2, or tools to help manage SQL Server Express.
Register Your Copy of SQL Server Express Register Your Copy of SQL Server Express

Once you’ve downloaded SQL Server Express, follow this link to register your copy. Registration is easy and only takes a few moments. No long forms or activation codes stand between you and your free benefits.
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Starter Kits
Download out-of-the-box starter kits to get started immediately using the power of SQL Server Express.

Articles and Columns

Upgrading MSDE 2000 to SQL Server 2005 Express Edition

Find out how to upgrade your existing MSDE installation to SQL Server 2005 Express Edition. Get criteria to help you decide when to upgrade your MSDE installation to other editions of SQL Server 2005.
Get Started with SQL Server Express
Get an overview of SQL Server Express, a free product based on SQL Server 2005 technology that includes the unique Application XCopy feature, and networking and security that differ from other SQL Server 2005 editions.
Writing SQL Queries: Let's Start With the Basics
Learn to be more productive with SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with this quick introduction to the T-SQL language and the basics of getting information from the database using the SELECT statement.
Securing Your SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Server

Discover what makes SQL Server Express Edition easier to use and protect, and more secure and stable than your existing JET applications.
SQL Server Express User Instances
Understand user instances in SQL Server 2005 Express Edition and how you can use them to simplify adding database functionality to your Visual Studio projects.
Embedding SQL Server Express into Custom Applications
Learn how to integrate and deploy Microsoft SQL Server Express-based applications by using configuration files and the ClickOnce deployment technology in Microsoft Visual Studio.
Web Development with Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition and SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, Part 1
Create Web apps with Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition and SQL Server 2005 Express Edition. Set up a project, create a SQL Server Express database, and explore the uses of the ASP.NET Web Site Administration tool.
Web Development with Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition and SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, Part 2
Use Data Explorer in Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition to view SQL Server 2005 Express Edition databases, work with data sources, and build n-tier architecture with data components.
Web Development with Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition and SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, Part 3
Create data-driven Web pages using the Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition controls.
Manage Your Music with Express Ease

Build a music collection management application using Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition and SQL Server 2005 Express Edition.

Product Information

Managing SQL Server Express with Management Studio Express
Learn how to manage SQL Server 2005 Express Edition by using the free graphical management tool, SQL Server 2005 Management Studio Express Edition (SSMSE). Developers and administrators will learn how to use SSMSE features to simplify, automate, and reduce the complexity of database support and administration.
Discover the Features and Benefits of SQL Server Express
What's cool about developing with SQL Server Express? Find out here. Get the picture on Express features and benefits, and view an online demo.
Register for SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Redistribution Rights
SQL Server Express is freely redistributable once you've registered with Microsoft for redistribution rights. Go here to sign up today.

Resources in the SQL Server Books Online

Downloads

  • SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
    SQL Server Express is a free, ligthtweight version of SQL Server 2005 designed to help developers build robust and reliable applications by providing an powerful database that is also free and easy to use.

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