Portable Database

[etftw]

Hello,

I am looking for a means of database interaction in which the database will be stored on a user's machine but with no actual server software running. I have read there is some way to create databases in SQL express and then take the files for use in your application but I can't seem to find any articles on it; could someone try to point me in the right direction or contribute any information you think may be of use?

Thanks

[Momerath]

You want SQL Server Compact Edition. It does everything you want :)

[etftw]

Thanks :D

Search for sql server private deployment on the msdn website.

If your looking for sql server ce you have to do the following

You have to add a section to your config file

<system.data>
<DbProviderFactories>
<remove invariant="System.data.sqlserverce.3.5"></remove>
<Add name="Microsoft SQL Server Compact Data Provider"
invariant="System.Data.SqlServerCe.3.5"
description=".NET Framework Data Provider for Microsoft SQL Server Compact"
type="System.Data.SqlServerCe.SqlCeProviderFactory, System.Data.SqlServerCe, Version=3.5.1.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=89845dcd8080cc91"/>
</DbProviderFactories>
</system.data>

And then add the following files to your project.
1.sqlceca35.dll
2.sqlcecompact35.dll
3.sqlceer35EN.dll
4.sqlceme35.dll
5.sqlceoledb35.dll
6.sqlceqp35.dll
7.sqlcese35.dll
8.System.Data.SqlServerCe.Entity.dll and add a reference to this dll

The build action should be Content
Copy To Output should be Copy if newer.

There will no longer be a need for sql server ce as a prerequiste for the app.

[etftw]

Thanks for the additional information, I was under the impression that I could use the database created via CE without the end user having CE installed, so this extra information will be of much use.