>>>>>>>I'm working on a small MS Access to C# WinForms conversion project. I have to decide which database to use. The client will most likely want to take the data home, so SQL will not be an easy option.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I could do it in Access, which he knows and I hate, or I could do it in VFP, which I know. It's going to be one of these two, as I'm not
>>>>>>>interested in learning another DB at this point.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I guess I'm just looking for thoughts....
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Why won't SQL be an easy option ? backup, restore at home. SQL Express is free.
>>>>>
>>>>>We're talking about someone who has never even HEARD of Sql. For us it;s a no brainer. To some people, an install wizard would panic them.
>>>>>
>>>>>He's already got to install my app. The database should be transparent.
>>>>
>>>>He should not have to know anything about SQL.
>>>>
>>>>Your app can control all SQL functions.
>>>
>>>He would have to install it. And how would he take his data home? With a file based DB he can just copy it.
>>
>>He can detach and attach the files (through your C# interface. Or, he can access the data remotely through port 1433 or a custom port. Or he can access it thorugh SSRS. Or he can subcribe over the web. Or he could just create a backup and restore it...
>>
>>And.. his memo file won't be invalid. And his index won't be missing or corrupt. And his table won't be corrupt. And his data will be securable. And ...
>
>
>Ok, I have decided on SQL Express. I can install it for him if needed.
>
>What I don't know is how to detach & reattach the data at a different location from within my C# app. Anyone wanna provide some input on this?
>
>What would also be nice is to have SQL Express installation as part of my app's install. Is this possible?

For the detach & reattach this should help (it's really quite easy).
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/sqldataaccess/thread/3f296c2a-e5f8-470a-91c5-86daf98c7e2c

There should be a way for you to automate the SQL Express install with your app's install - there is a way to do a 'silent install' with SQL Express....this should point you in the right direction.
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en/sqlsetupandupgrade/thread/7180e4dc-5c1e-4501-83d7-6882abb1f04e
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143441(SQL.90).aspx