Sql server express minimal install

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The installer of SQL Server Express is somewhere around 44MB and I was wondering if it is possible to identify just the bare minimum files/reg settings needed by a application connecting via ODBC. If someone has that information I would really appreciate it.

What I have tried:

I searched the web and can't find anything.

Posted 28-Jul-17 7:59am

Roland M Smith

Updated 28-Jul-17 9:17am

RickZeeland

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RickZeeland · Answer 1 · 2017-07-28T08:48:00

That seems a bit optimistic to me, you probably are referring to SQL Server LocalDB.
Here is an interesting overview of the different SQL Server versions, not completely up to date sadly:
[comparison-of-sql-server]

If you want to try installing SQL Server from the Command Prompt, see: How to: Install SQL Server 2008 R2 from the Command Prompt[^]
Good luck :)

Personally I would rather recommend PostgreSQL, which is much more compact than SQL Server and easier to install along with your application, you can download the Windows version here:
[PostgreSQL]
There is even a portable version, download here: [PostgreSQL Portable]
Also interesting, PostgreSQL vs. MS SQL Server: PostgreSQL vs. MS SQL Server[^]
Here is a good Basic PostgreSQL Tutorial: PostgreSQL Tutorial - Learn PostgreSQL from Scratch[^]

Roland M Smith · Answer 2 · 2017-07-28T09:17:00

Solution 2

I am researching for a friend. He currently is using a small database similar to sqlite in concept and wants to move to a mainstream database. His preference was SAP SQL Anywhere but they will only sell licenses in groups of 5.

If you can point me at the PostgreSQL compact installer for Windows I would appreciate it. The only one I see is 168MB.

Posted 28-Jul-17 9:17am

Roland M Smith

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RickZeeland 28-Jul-17 15:28pm

Please use 'Reply' or 'Have a Question or Comment' to answer, I am using PostgreSQL 9.5 which is half that size, avoid the 'BigSQL' installer as it is too big and problematic. Download here: https://www.enterprisedb.com/downloads/postgres-postgresql-downloads#windows

Roland M Smith 28-Jul-17 15:36pm

That is where I tried to download. The 9.5 installer is 63.3MB which is still larger than SQL Server.

RickZeeland 28-Jul-17 15:41pm

Well, you seem to need a very compact database, but keep in mind that the PostgreSQL install comes with PGadmin, a graphical tool to manage your databases.
Also PostgreSQL is very powerful and supports lots of languages and platforms.
BTW, my SQLEXPR_x64_ENU.exe for SQL Server Express 2008R2 is 122 Mb, don't know where you got the size of 44 Mb from.

Roland M Smith 28-Jul-17 16:15pm

44 MB is the size of the LocalDB installer.

RickZeeland 28-Jul-17 16:17pm

Beware that Local means you can not connect to this db from another machine !
It only works on the same machine ...