MSDE can be used as an SQL Server for DotNetNuke.
MSDE (Microsoft SQL Server Data Engine) is a cut-down version of the MS SQL Server 7.0 and 2000. There are restrictions regards the maximum size of the database and a workload governor.
For testing of a DotNetNuke installation MSDE can be used, despite the restrictions imposed.
Installing MSDE
To begin the installation of MSDE download the file from the Microsoft website. Uncompress the file to a suitable directory on your computer.
The installation is actioned from the command line, calling the file setup.exe with a number of parameters. you may prefer to action commands from the same directory – therefore navigate to the directory where the file resides.
I prefer to run MSDE in a mixed mode with both Windows authentication and SQL authentication.
The command to run to configure mixed mode authentication, set the password and configure the database instance:
Setup.exe SAPWD=”passwd1 “INSTANCENAME=”dnn” SECURITYMODE=SQL
Test the MSDE Installation
- Ensure that the service MSSQLSERVER is running. To view the services, from the start button naviagate to Settings > Control Panel >Administrative Tools > Services. If the service iexists and is running then SQL / MSDE is installed.
- Add a new data source on the ODBC Data Sources. configuration window. Select Start->Settings->Control Panel->ODBC Data Sources.
Create a new data source using the ‘SQL Server’ driver. Specify the server name, username ‘sa’ and a blank password. Use ‘master’ as the default database. Click the ‘Test Connection’ button. If the test succeeds, then SQL / MSDE is running.
Microsoft’s SQL Web Data Administrator can be used to configure MSDE. oSQL can be used from the command prompt.
Test if SA Password is Blank
Using oSQL the command is: osql -U sa
To test for the password on a named server: osql -U sa -S servername\instancename
When presented with the password prompt, press the Enter key. If you receive the prompt 1> then no password was required and you have gained access.
References
Microsoft SQL Web Data Administrator may be downloaded from here.
MSDE may be downloaded from here.
