>Not sure where to post this question, so I am posting in both SQL Server and .NET forums.
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>I have done a lot of searching to find best practices and recommendations for creating an install CD or DVD for a new Visual Basic 2008 application with a SQL Server 2008 Express back end. This is a single user, single desktop application. The database will always be installed on the desktop (not intended for a server).
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>The one problem is that our customers are going to be remote. We cannot drive over to their office to solve an installation error. They most likely will have internet, but some may not (and those that do may not have high speed internet).
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>I have always had great respect for opinions here, and wondered what people have found works best for them when faced with creating a robust installation routine (with required prerequisites getting installed, database user configured, application files installed, shortcut created and database with some default data created).
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>Thanks!
SQL Express is a fairly simple installation. If a user accepts defaults the installation is extremely likely to be successful.
I've never scripted a SQLExpress installation since I've never found it necessary, but AFAIK it should be reasonably easy to do.
Depending on your user base, you may be able to get by with just a simple instruction sheet for the installation. You'll need to give them specifics for authentication mode and SA password if mixed mode authentication is required. To minimize conflicts, you might want to specify a unique instance name for the server.
Obviously you will need an installer for the VB app and associated files (built with VS or Installshield or ...).
Your VB app can fire off a script to create or restore a database and add logins using windows administrator or sa rights as needed..
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