Question

I’d like to install AdventureWorks2008 (I just install SQL Server 2008 R2 Express).

Each time I download the recommended version from CodePlex, all I get is a AdventureWorks2008.mdf file. Not only I cannot attach the file from SQL Server Management Studio, but I cannot copy/paste the file directly into the the database.

I’ve read in several places that I need to use AdventureWorks2008.msi, but I cannot find where to download it.

I just cannot figure out how to install AdventureWorks2008

Thanks for helping

Answer 1

There isn’t an .msi file for adventureworks, even though you’ll find it mentioned in outdated documentation and books. You aren’t alone in finding this confusing — it seems the web site, files and steps Microsoft provides for installing these databases changes every time I need to install them.

You need to create the database and attach the .mdf file, which is the “data file” referred to in the instructions. (.mdf = primary data file, .ldf = log file, .ndf = secondary data file)

In order to attach the file, you need to make sure you carefully follow the steps here: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/3735.sql-server-samples-readme-en-us.aspx#Readme_for_Adventure_Works_Sample_Databases

Instructions for 2008R2:

To install AdventureWorks2008R2 OLTP database

1. Download the AdventureWorks2008R2 Data File.

2. From File Download, click Save and browse to a location on your local
   server.

3. From SQL Server Management Studio, execute the following code:

Case-insensitive Database

CREATE DATABASE AdventureWorks2008R2 
ON (FILENAME = '{drive}:\{file path}\AdventureWorks2008R2_Data.mdf') 
FOR ATTACH_REBUILD_LOG;

As an alternative to step 3, you can attach the database using the SQL
Server Management Studio user interface. For more detailed
information, see Attach a Database (SQL Server Management Studio).

Note: You must remove the log file from the list of files to attach.
This will cause the operation to rebuild the log.

Headache saving tip from Aaron Bertrand:

You should place the mdf file in your normal data folder – SQL Server
will already have the proper permissions. You can get this path using

SELECT TOP (1) physical_name FROM master.sys.database_files;