SQL Server Express version is a free, lightweight, easy-to-install version, designed for people who need the basic capabilities of Microsoft SQL Server.
This guide explains how to perform the installation in the simplest manner, and divided into 2 parts:
- The first part deals with installing SQL Server 2014 Express
- The second part deals with the installation of the Northwind Database
Enter the following link and choose the Download option:
In the next window, depending on which operating system you have, choose one of the following options:
Then open the downloaded file, and choose the path to which the files will be extracted:
Wait for the extraction to finish
Then, a new window will be opened automatically, allowing you to continue the installation of SQL Server. Select the highlighted option and proceed to the next step:
Accept the terms of use, then click Next to proceed to the next step:
In this window, choose whether to use Microsoft Update, then click Next to proceed to the next step:
In this window, select all marked options, then click Next to proceed to the next step:
In this window, select the highlighted option, then click Next to proceed to the next step:
In this window, click Next to proceed to the next step:
In this window, select the second option and enter a password by which you will connect to the database. You must select a “strong” password otherwise the installation will not be possible (eg – Pa $$ w0rd). When you finish click Next to proceed to the next step:
In the last step, we will wait for the installation to finish:
If the installation went successful, you will receive the following message.
After completing this section, go to the next tab – Install Northwind Database
Open the SQL Server Management Studio, which can be easily found by the Search Box:
Alternatively, you can click [Windows ] + [R] and then type ssms.exe
Click Connect:
Then choose File – > Open – > File:
Select the highlighted file, this file can be downloaded from the following link
Next, click the Execute button:
Wait for a few seconds until the execution is completed
If execution went successful, you’ll receive the following message:
Right click the Databases folder and choose Refresh:
You’ll then see that Northwind Database has been added:
In the last step, make sure you can run queries successfully. Right-click Northwind Database and choose New Query:
In the new query window
- Type the following query : SELECT * FROM employees
- Press the Execute button
- verify that the data is indeed retrieved in the bottom pane
