sql express or sql full version for web service

[Proctor]

Hello: I have a winows application that I'm currently creating a web service to connect to the backend. The back end was access but I have migrated it to sql server.

I noticed that if you want to place the database in the App_data folder, you must use the express edition of sql and so I'm trying to figure out if it's better to use the express version primarily for the purpose of having the database in the App_data folder. What are the primary benefits of placing in this folder verses having it located else where?

Thanks,
Proctor

[si_the_geek]

The only benefits I can think of is that it will automatically be backed up by Windows if you already use the built-in backup system, and if you use the settings transfer (for upgrading to a new version of Windows) it will automatically be included with that.

In terms of general usage, it makes no difference - because users do not connect to the file.

[Proctor]

Thanks for your help. If that's the only benefit, I'll stick to the full version.

Proctor