I've read in the knowledge base that it's not advisable to use sqlexpress in a shared web hosting environment but my question is , is it possible to use sql express databases to be hosted on your site? Or should I convert to sql server 2005 and create databases in it before uploading it to your hosting area? Thanks
Unfortunately we do not support SQL Express on our shared hosting environment. We only offer SQL 2008 databases.
Although you cannot use SQL Express database files directly on the server, there shouldn't be a problem with continuing to use it in your development environment. Then when it comes to deploy to your live Winhost site you do the following: 1. Use the SQL Publishing Wizard to import/export your SQL Express database to your Winhost SQL 2008 database. 2. Change the connection string in your ASP.NET application to point to your Winhost SQL 2008 database. 3. Upload your app.
Thank you for your response.. So I can just download SQL publisher for free then convert my MDF file to be compatible with SQL server 2008 before putting it in live?
Yes. It comes with Visual Web Developer 2008 or Visual Studio 2008. See https://support.Winhost.com/KB/a674/how-to-backup-sql-2008-database-using-visual-web-developer.aspx. You can use the same procedure to publish from your local Express database to your Winhost database.
Thanks for everything .... I'll be signing up with Winhost by this week .... Thanks for prompt responses. Cheers
Actually I have found it far easier--and faster--to use the Import and Export Data utility that comes with Management Studio. It took just a few seconds to upload 80 meg data.
