I'd like to install AdventureWorks2008 (I just install SQL Server 2008 R2 Express).
Each time I download the recommended version from CodePlex, all I get is a AdventureWorks2008.mdf
file. Not only I cannot attach the file from SQL Server Management Studio, but I cannot copy/paste the file directly into the the database.
I've read in several places that I need to use AdventureWorks2008.msi
, but I cannot find where to download it.
I just cannot figure out how to install AdventureWorks2008
Thanks for helping
There isn't an .msi file for adventureworks, even though you'll find it mentioned in outdated documentation and books. You aren't alone in finding this confusing -- it seems the web site, files and steps Microsoft provides for installing these databases changes every time I need to install them.
You need to create the database and attach the .mdf file, which is the "data file" referred to in the instructions. (.mdf = primary data file, .ldf = log file, .ndf = secondary data file)
In order to attach the file, you need to make sure you carefully follow the steps here: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/3735.sql-server-samples-readme-en-us.aspx#Readme_for_Adventure_Works_Sample_Databases
Instructions for 2008R2:
Headache saving tip from Aaron Bertrand:
SELECT TOP (1) physical_name FROM master.sys.database_files;