By: Related Tips: Problem Developers using SQL Server Express face a few challenges in their day to day work. One is that setting up and maintaining Express can be a daunting task.

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Another is that using the 'User Instances' feature (which ) leads to a lot of confusion - developers connect to one instance of the database through their tools, and another instance of the database through their program, and don't understand why updates to one aren't reflected in the other. This is actually due to the AttachDbFileName setting, but in most examples I've seen, the two seem to go hand in hand. Solution SQL Server 2012 introduces a new feature,. The purpose of this new feature is to provide developers with a local environment that is much easier to install and manage.

Instead of installing a service and configuring security, they just start up an instance of this new LocalDB runtime as needed. In addition, the download for the SQL Express LocalDB runtime is only about 33 MB (or 27 MB, if you are still on x86), compared to the 100s of MBs required to download a full edition of SQL Server Express. Before you get started, you'll want to make sure that your operating system is patched to the latest service pack and current according to Windows Update. Supported operating systems are as follows:. Windows 7.

Windows Server 2008 R2. Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2.

Windows Vista Service Pack 2 It will also work on Windows 8 if you're using any of the pre-release versions, but I have not tested this on any of the Server Core variants of Windows Server, so you're on your own there. For further information on system requirements, please see.

Oct 24, 2015 - User's Guide For VCpp 6.0. See What's New in Visual Studio 2012. Free download: Visual Studio Express 2013 for Windows Desktop. The new home for Visual Studio documentation is Visual Studio 2017 Documentation on docs.microsoft.com. For the latest documentation for Visual Studio 2017, see the Visual Studio 2017 administrator guide. You can deploy Visual Studio 2015 on a network as long as each target computer meets the.

You'll want to make sure that you've installed and, equally as importantly, the. Once your system is up to date, you can download the SqlLocalDb installer from:. If your system is 64-bit, you want (33.0 MB). If your system is 32-bit, you want (27.7 MB) Setup is rather trivial. Name: MyInstance Version: 11.0.2100.60 Shared name: Owner: METEORA AaronBertrand Auto-create: No State: Running Last start time: 4/29/2012 6:17:24 PM Instance pipe name: np:.

Pipe LOCALDB#ABB78D50 tsql query Now that an instance is created and started, you'll probably want to do other things like create databases and run queries. Unfortunately SqlLocalDb on its own only provides an interface to the engine; it does not provide a means to interact with databases. However there are several other ways to connect to and interact with SqlLocalDb instances. Sqlcmd In order to use sqlcmd, you must install either SQL Server 2012 Management Studio Express or the client tools from a regular SQL Server 2012 edition (though I caution against using Evaluation Edition here, since the client tools will expire after 180 days). You can install just the, but I will install Management Studio Express since it's free, supports all of the functionality you should need to manage LocalDB instances, and for most tasks is preferable to sqlcmd anyway.

You can download Management Studio Express from this page: As with SqlLocalDb, you'll want to pick the file that is appropriate for you, depending on whether you are running on x86 or x64. When the Installation Center opens, you'll want to pick the option 'New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation' - even though neither describes what you're really doing. Visual Studio To use SqlLocalDb with Visual Studio proper, see the following blog post, where Roel van Lisdonk walks you through using both Visual Studio 2010 and the newer VS11 beta to connect to SqlLocalDb: PowerShell It took me a little finagling to get PowerShell to connect to my LocalDB instance.

Even with SQL Server 2012 client tools and the.NET 4.0.2 update installed, it seems that the version of SMO that PowerShell uses an older version of SMO that is not LocalDB-aware. Granted, this was Windows 7 without any explicit updates to PowerShell. While you should be able to connect using this syntax.

Reflection.Assembly::LoadWithPartialName('Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo') Out-Null; $sn = '(localdb) MyInstance'; $srv = New-Object -typeName Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server -argumentList $sn; $srv.ConnectionContext.LoginSecure = $true; $srv.Databases Select Name; Various attempts at server names (such as (localdb). MyInstance and. MyInstance yielded generic 'Failed to connect to server' errors. It turns out I had to connect using the named pipe syntax, which was necessary for other applications prior to the 4.0.2 update. Reflection.Assembly::LoadWithPartialName('Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo') Out-Null; $sn = 'np:. Pipe LOCALDB#ABB78D50 tsql query'; $srv = New-Object -typeName Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server -argumentList $sn; $srv.ConnectionContext.LoginSecure = $true; $srv.Databases Select Name; To determine that little hex code associated with the named pipe for the selected instance, you can use the SqlLocalDb info command.

As you can see in the following screen shot, I just copied the output from the 'Instance pipe name' line. Data Source=(LocalDB) MyInstance;Initial Catalog=foo;Integrated Security=True; This requires the, however, otherwise you'll have the same issues I disclosed about PowerShell, and you'll need to use the LOCALDB#HEX-PIPE connection format.

Conclusion Hopefully this gives you a jump start in using SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB for local development. There are other aspects I haven't touched on, that I may treat in future tips - for example, sharing instances with other users, and the fact that LocalDB is named as such for a reason: it does not accept remote connections. Next Steps. Download and install SQL Server 2012 Express LocalDB.

Use this standalone engine for new local development or prototype work. Review the following tips and other resources:. (they are also the LocalDB team). Last Update: 2012-05-16.

Post a comment or let the author know this tip helped. All comments are reviewed, so stay on subject or we may delete your comment. Note: your email address is not published. Required fields are marked with an asterisk (.).Name.Email Email me updates. NOTE.

If you want to include code from SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) in your post, please copy the code from SSMS and paste the code into a text editor like NotePad before copying the code below to remove the SSMS formatting. Signup for our newsletter I agree by submitting my data to receive communications, account updates and/or special offers about SQL Server from MSSQLTips and/or its Sponsors. I have read the and understand I may unsubscribe at any time. Wednesday, November 22, 2017 - 1:25:27 AM - Pargat Singh Wow, very helpful post. I really want this exact information. Thanks for sharing and giving your valuable time.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - 7:28:29 AM - Adam Foley Thanks for sharing this info. This was exactly what I needed to get the SQL Server Managerment Studio working.

I tried looking through the MIcrosoft doco but was far too hard for my expertise. Direct and to the point with great screen shots and notes. Thanks again.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017 - 1:03:07 PM - Aaron Bertrand @Rory It shouldn't have required a restart.unless. you were told during installation that a restart would be required (I sometimes see this on the setup dialogs, but not always, and it is not restricted to LocalDB).

Wednesday, May 31, 2017 - 12:17:46 PM - Rory Very helpful. I did have to restart my computer after installation, not mentioned. I guess that was understood?

Wednesday, November 16, 2016 - 12:50:00 PM - Saphiros This was very helpful. Thanks Monday, October 31, 2016 - 11:02:43 AM - azam And now I want in sqlserver managment work with two tables,one at localdb and other on my main server. For example I want insert some rows from one table of one database at localdb,to another table of one database located on my main server.

Please tell me the statemanet on sql SQL Server Management Studio. I already connected to both of them.but transaction not yet.

Monday, October 31, 2016 - 10:49:01 AM - azam Hi It was very usefull. Thanks a lot. Thursday, August 11, 2016 - 9:25:49 PM - BillS Amazing post.

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Thank you so much! So nice to be up and running in 5 minutes time. Tuesday, July 19, 2016 - 8:44:49 AM - Raj Yes. Its very usefull for me. Keep on post some new topics in SQL Thank You Raj. S Friday, July 01, 2016 - 6:15:41 AM - JaneC we've just come across a requirement to install SQL Express 2012 LocalDB on a RDS host (terminal server) - is this possible or will we need to do something clever with App-V?? Thanks Friday, November 27, 2015 - 11:26:43 PM - Nagesh Very well laid out, helped be to set up SQL server on my personal desktop.

Thanks a lot!!! Friday, September 25, 2015 - 3:15:11 PM - crispe1586 Thank you very much, your article has been very very helpful!! Saturday, August 29, 2015 - 2:58:56 AM - Johann Smit Thank you Aaron, This is excellent.

I started programming at retirement age (62). Had my own retail stores for approximately 50 years before the time. It is now 10 years later and my software - focused on the meat and bakery trading areas - are doing well. The database we use are MS Sequel - at present SQL Express 2012. Most of the programming is done in DotNet. My major gray areas regarding the database are now well lit thanks to your article.

We are based Johannesburg - South Africa. Regards, Johann Smit Trade Consultant and Software Developer. Tuesday, July 28, 2015 - 4:38:18 PM - Steve Dell Just want to take the time and say thank you, for putting together this information. It is well laid out, and very informative, and the links to items is ideal. Thanks again! Tuesday, March 17, 2015 - 5:27:48 AM - Haxsta Thanks works a treat, there is a newer version (SP2) Wednesday, January 07, 2015 - 2:11:22 PM - Aaron Bertrand Note that for SQL Server 2014 the syntax for creating an automatic instance has changed from (local) v11.0 (many have tried (local) v12.0 as well) to (local) MSSQLLocalDB. Chrysler grand voyager manual for sale.

See Connect #845278 for details: Monday, November 10, 2014 - 8:44:42 AM - Albert Hi Mr. Aaron, I am new to SQL LOCALDB, previously I am using MS ACCESS for our local deployments. I am currently looking for a small database with small footprint for our deployment purpose. Currently, I am stucked with this database LOCALDB, What I did is create a database to test the database will all the tables in it, until I tried to DETACT the database via MSVS2012 IDE.

Until now I cannot find a way to attach the LOCALDB DB. Based on my understanding, LOCALDB saves the mdf/ldf at the c: users appdata etc etc folder, but what I did when I created my database is saved the database on a different location. I tried the following, removed the instance on the MSVS IDE and RE-install the instance, Add server, add connection, stop and start the instance, all of them did not work.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 3:56:37 AM - Ziba Hi, thank you so much for the guide and all the helpful information. Saturday, October 04, 2014 - 7:12:13 AM - Shikar Hi Aaron Thanks for this guide. I have encountered the following errors: C: Program Files Microsoft SQL Server 110 Tools Binn 'Program' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file. C: Program Files Microsoft SQL Server 110 Tools Binn sqlcmd -S (localdb) MyInstance 1 SELECT @@VERSION; 2 GO Access is denied. I am not sure what the issue is - please help?

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Wednesday, October 01, 2014 - 6:20:03 AM - Waqar Ahmed Above link Really helped in solving my LocalDB Issue. Tuesday, September 23, 2014 - 6:43:38 AM - prajakta i m using sql server management studio 2008 but i have error when i creating new table in database and i also cannot edit columns in tables. Following error is occured: what should i do, please reply me.

TITLE: Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio - This backend version is not supported to design database diagrams or tables. (MS Visual Database Tools) Monday, September 01, 2014 - 8:13:21 AM - Aaron Bertrand Sorry Luiz, I've never seen that one, and I doubt the key-related message has anything to do with LocalDb.

I am suggest you bring it up with the makers of the software package you're trying to install. Saturday, August 30, 2014 - 6:40:43 PM - Luiz Arbore Hello, I'm trying to install a software that starts by installing sql server 2012 express localdb when it reaches the updating part of installation it's interrupted by 'key not valid for use in specified state ' consequently cannot install the software. I have windows Vista 64 SP 2 all up to date. Thank you Thursday, March 20, 2014 - 9:08:19 AM - KUMAR UTKARSH Hello all, I am very new to SQL server 2012, I have a sql file named 'RankedKeySearch.sql'. I double clicked it to open but some one said that I need to add my database after opening that particular file. Will you please explain me te procedure to add the database by using 'restore databse' commend by right clicking.

Please reply soon, its very urgent Monday, March 03, 2014 - 12:07:12 PM - Ashenafi You saved my day. Thanks buddy! Monday, February 24, 2014 - 9:59:34 AM - cfphil AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

Sweet RELIEF!!! AN ANSWER!!!! My local engine was installed, but I couldnt login, or anything and was beginning to think I was going insane. Turns out I needed to create a new instance on by local engine with the CMD. Thanks very much for this article!

Today is now no longer a.complete. waste of time - just perhaps only 90% a waste of time now. Friday, February 14, 2014 - 8:06:58 AM - Joel You Rock!

This saved me an 2hrs of searching time Friday, January 10, 2014 - 5:54:11 PM - OKie eko Wardoyo I'm new to sql server express. My computer is Windows 8.1 64 bit, i have visual studio 2013 installed on my pc.

I tried to download what i need here First, i donwload and install ENU x64 SQLEXPRx64ENU.exe then installed it, SUCCESS. Then, i donwload ENU x64 SqlLocalDB.MSI and tried to installed.

WOW, it said like below: 'there is a problem with this windows installer package. A DLL required for this installation to complete could not be run. Contact your suport personal or package vendor.' I don't know what it means. Thursday, August 22, 2013 - 12:06:55 PM - Den So.

This is probably a stupid question. But how do I make my server visible to Microsoft Access 2007? I went to create an ADP file with an existing server, but it doesn't show on the pulldown. Friday, July 05, 2013 - 10:34:34 AM - deepak gupta Dear Aaron, I have two Servers for sql One is live and other is backup.

I created the autobackup sequences but want to do mirroring databases of both the servers in sql2012. I need your kind help in getting this done. Warm regards. Deepak gupta Monday, May 06, 2013 - 7:52:53 AM - Aizaz Ahmad Khan Durrani i have one problem in connecting to server so due to ur article my problem is solved. Thanks Thursday, April 11, 2013 - 1:32:34 PM - Aaron Bertrand Thanks Jacob. Oh, and Windows 8 really still ships in x86?

Why would anyone use that?:-) Thursday, April 11, 2013 - 11:23:06 AM - Jacob Krimbel FYI, the default instance does not work on 32 bit Windows 8. Easy steps to reproduce: 1.) Install localdb on a Windows 8 x86 box 2.) Connect to (localdb) v11.0 using any application that can make a connection, such as SSMS. 3.) Observe error message. Only occurs with the default instance and only on Windows 8 x86.

Does not occur with named instances. Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - 7:20:54 AM - Soma Tekumalla Very nice article - Glad I read it.

I could NOT connect to my LocalDB instance using SQL Server 2005 Management Studio but was able to do so using SQL Servere 2012 Express. Monday, March 04, 2013 - 8:07:58 AM - AlexeyVG Can I use SQL Express LocalDB for commercial hosting services? According to the EULA - can not. This restriction was in SQL Express 2005 before SP1. And now back in 2012. Friday, December 21, 2012 - 1:35:31 PM - Vitor Nevermind, turns out I had a previous sqlcmd even though it's the very first time I'm using SQL Server.

It appears to install a lot of 2008 stuff for some reason. Friday, December 21, 2012 - 1:17:26 PM - Vitor I have tried this today, but I keep getting access denied when I try to use sqlcmd with my instance to create a DB. Management Studio gives a 'file activation error' when trying to create the database. I have permissions to read and write to 'C: Users NAME AppData Local Microsoft Microsoft SQL Server Local DB Instances MyInstance', why is this happening? I have no prior experience with DBs, this is for a college assignment. Friday, December 21, 2012 - 7:52:16 AM - Aaron Bertrand Sorry Colin, I haven't used MSAccess since Access 97, so I'm the last person you want to ask about that.:-) Friday, December 21, 2012 - 3:00:23 AM - Colin Hi Aaron, Thanks for the prompt reply.

I have a MSACESS backend (ACCDB). Do you mean i should import into SQL server, backup and restore on the remote web hosting company and relink? Also what is the best way to import my database into my sql instant? Thanks again!

Thursday, December 20, 2012 - 4:50:00 PM - Aaron Bertrand Colin I think the easiest way would be to simply create a backup of your local database and send that to the remote server (I assume it's a web hosting company of some sort) for them to restore. Thursday, December 20, 2012 - 3:37:31 PM - Colin Hi Aaron Thank you for a very well presented lesson on creating an instant.

I am new to sql and have thus far only developed MSaccess and Visual basic desk top applications. I trying to move my back end tables to sql Server. Honestly speaking i simply did not understand that you must create and instance. I assumed sql server would automatically create one on installion. For days i could not access SQL.

A hearty thank you for showing me the light. I intend to test my application locally and then export the sql database to a remote online server. May i ask if you could clarify the basic steps to achieve this. Thanks again Thursday, December 20, 2012 - 11:28:14 AM - Vitor Nice and comprehensive article, thanks Mr. Tuesday, December 11, 2012 - 7:46:10 AM - Mohankumar Thanks a lot. Much useful article.

Monday, December 03, 2012 - 7:32:44 AM - Jeremy Kadlec Amanuel, I would check out this tutorial -. Thank you, Jeremy Kadlec Monday, December 03, 2012 - 6:52:17 AM - Amanuel Amente I created the 'foo' database with 'bar' table that have column called 'ID' of data type int. My questions is how can I enter the actual table value?

I want you to show me how to enter values 10, 30. Into the actual data table dbo.bar. Thursday, November 29, 2012 - 3:48:28 PM - Aaron Bertrand Brett true, but maybe for different reasons than you think: Thursday, November 29, 2012 - 1:05:21 PM - Brett Baggott Well, that was my point, it's not really meant for production. Thursday, November 29, 2012 - 11:06:26 AM - Aaron Bertrand Brett, I suppose that deep down, aren't all products developed to fill a void and/or be better than their competitors? That said, I don't think SQLite users are the target audience in this case, even though some may find LocalDb more appealing than what they're using now (and full-on SQL Server Express / Developer). LocalDb was developed - at least as far as I have been told - for two main purposes: (1) to make a SQL Server developer's life easier.

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No need to install, configure and manage an instance of SQL Server. Get the runtime when you need it, without the overhead of a service when you don't. (2) to make a workplace more secure.

No need to manage security or remote connections, and no worry that an instance of SQL Server is forgotten about but running forever, unpatched, and exposed to who knows what over time. While it's technically.supported. in production, that isn't its focus and it is not intending to unseat any of the other players there. Again, AFAIK. I don't work for Microsoft and so I don't have insight into all of their reasoning or intentions. Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - 10:59:55 PM - Brett Baggott This post provides great information, presented expertly, and I admire the effort you've gone to in your comments section to help others work with and get value from the new LocalDb.

However, and someone's got to say it, aren't we getting beyond the scope of LocalDb? I'm not trying to be an elitest or purist or anything but LocalDb isn't really meant to be a SQLite competitor is it? I'm not just trying to be a jerk here. I really want to know your opinion on if you think LocalDb will become an alternative to SQLite and other such low impact Sql providers (even though I still might argue it's not designed to be)?