SQL Express, can I use it?

Do I need to purchase the $10 SQL database addon even if my database is located in the App_Data folder of my application?

I forgot to mention my database is MS SQL Server 2005, the mdf file located in the App_data folder...

[wisemx]

Hi,
Express DBes are not supported but there is a nice feature in the Control Panel once you add a SQL Server option to Attach an Express DB.
You can't use the Express DB as is, you must migrate it to SQL Server.
Note: This is a good thing, I can provide links where you can see that Microsoft has specifically asked Shared hosts to not support Express versions of SQL Server on-line.
All the best,
Mark

Do you support Access MDB in the App_Data directory so I can access it vir "|DataDirectory|" in my Web.Config and use System.Data.OleDB provider? And can I upload the MDB file from my local machine rather than have to create it through some on-line admin tool?

TIA
John

[wisemx]

Hi,
Take a look at this thread:
http://community.discountasp.net/showthread.php?t=8799
All the best,
Mark

Hi Mark,
Thank you for that link. It is an excellent response and the idea suggested works. But my question is, can I create a directory on my site called App_Data and give it full permissions? If so then I can use the |DataDirectory| in Web.Config without the need of the additional code.

TIA,
John

[wisemx]

Hi,
DASP provides a secure folder for this you should use instead, each new site gets a folder named '_database'. You can however do it the way you mentioned, I don't have code for that right now but I did test it on DASP servers that way too.
All the best,
Mark
Note: The reason DASP provides that secure folder is due to the need for additional security for Access.

Hi,

I developed a small website using express edition and MS SQL server 2005(sql server management studio express). Now iam planning to host the application.To publish website with express edition is possible?
What is difference between Proffesional and standard editions of visual studio?
To publish a website standard edition is enough?
And now coming to SQL server whether licensed key is required?

Thanks in advance

Regards,
Prathap

[wisemx]

Hi,
You can't use the Express DB on your site but DASP does provide the Attach feature.
The way that works is you add a SQL Server option to your account...
Then upload your Express DB to your site and then from your Control Panel you Attach it.
At that point you no longer need the Express DB on your site and can remove it.
Publishing can be done from the free Visual Studio tools.
These are all available for free from the new Microsoft Web Platform installer.
If you will be using free tools you should try to use:
SQL Server 2008 Express and Visual Web Developer 2008
Use http://www.bing.com/ to find these free tools and any free learning resources.
All the best,
Mark