Deploy VB.net 2008 application that uses sql server

Hi Guys,

I am currently working on a vb.net app that uses sql server as the database.

at the moment i have just set it up on my clients laptop. so I installed sql server 2005 and the .Net framework 3.5 and my app.

now my client says he wants to sell the software to other countries. what I want to know is,

since I won't be able to configure and install sql server in other countries how can I go about this deployment.

he would like it all on one cd and it should be able to run straight out the box without me setting up databases etc.

my confusion is, if someone is instaliing and they already have sql server om, how do i add my database to it.

and if they dont have sql server how do i handle the situation? please advise

You can't send SQL Server on your CD (at least not the full version) the client would need to buy that. You can have a pre-req that SQL Express is required and if not present then the installer will put it in place. Next you can have your installer call to SQLCMD after the install of SQL Express (or if full version is present after its install) to create database and all tables.

I also use Red Gate SQL Packager which can create a database and fill it with the basic structure for you. The generates an exe that will be run.

thanks Gary. I read your post and looked up REd Gate SQL Packager. unfortunately it costs quite a bit:cry:

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Next you can have your installer call to SQLCMD after the install of SQL Express (or if full version is present after its install) to create database and all tables.

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if i go this route, how will it work. because when you install sql express you have to set things like password for the sa logon.

You script all that. You will need to perform a bunch of scripting for Express. By default it is not setup to allow remote connections, you will need to script that also.

thanks Gary. will do some more research. :wave: