You're right, with SQL 2005 (any version) there's no need to stop the service just copy the files from one folder to the other and attach the DB. This is one of the alternative methods she mentioned (xCopy).

>Thank you Tracy. I thought I read somewhere that SqlServer Express databases could simply be copied from one directory to another and presto! Or is that SQL Server Compact Edition?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Alex
>
>>This is pretty easy to do and there are numerous ways to do it. If you don't need it accessible while you are copying, then my preferred method is to stop the service on both servers, then physically copy the files over and then restart the service on both systems. It will be there on the 2nd server.
>>
>>Here is a link for attaching the database after you copy it:
>>
>>http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms165673.aspx
>>
>>
>>You can also use the publish wizard (or xcopy and clickonce)...
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>Hi,
>>>
>>>How do I copy a database from one server to another? Both are SQL Server Express.
>>>
>>>Thank you very much.
>>>
>>>Alex