After SQL 2005 installation, how do I 'Install and attach' Adventure database from the Management Studio?

Question

Installing SQL 2005 created 3 database folders (mdf and ldf files) and a SQLServerSamples.msi file
under C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Tools\Samples.  On the other hand, from the sample
databases setup website, after installing and attaching sample database, we will find the database files
under  C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data, where I have only a security Certificate file.

Apparently my AdventureWorks sample databases are not ready for use, am I right? 
How do I 'Install and attach' Adventure database from the Management Studio?

Answer 1

Howdy, Wonjartran. I apologize, but I couldn't quite follow the steps you described.

The sample databases are not installed by default from the Yukon media. And the AW databases for 2005 have been updated from what was shipped on the media anyway.

You can find the current version of the AdventureWorks family of databases for SQL Server 2005 here: http://www.codeplex.com/MSFTDBProdSamples/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=4004

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David Reed - MSFT - Microsoft Certified Architect|SQL Server - http://blogs.msdn.com/reedme/

Answer 2

On the directpry C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Tools\Samples\AdventureWorks OLTP,
in addition to AdventureWorks_Data.mdf and AdventureWorks_log.ldf, there are many Excel files.
To attach the AdventureWorks database, I plan to copy/paste the mdf and ldf files to my database
server e:\SQL2005\Databases folder.  Then create/attach the AdventureWorks database on the
SQL 2005 Management Studio.

Do I have copy/paste those Excel files?  What are these Excel files for? 

Answer 3

You can find the current version of the AdventureWorks family of databases for SQL Server 2005 here: http://www.codeplex.com/MSFTDBProdSamples/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=4004

 
I have been this link before, but could not really 'install' the AdventureWorks database, except the SQL 2005
Express version at home.  The main question is there are so may confusing "Download, Install, Attach' terms,
as well as so many msi files.  That is why I tried to go back to my original C:\ files which I downloaded or installed
from my LAN Microsoft Tool files. 

BTW, how to download/instal/attach from here: http://www.codeplex.com/MSFTDBProdSamples/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=4004

Thanks.

Answer 4

Solved the problem.  It seemed to me the .msi file of the codeplex link can not be run from
the Remore Desktop.   I finally ran it my computer and copied the mdf file to the Database Server. 
From the Management Studio on the database server, I can attach the mdf file and create the
database.  That's it.  Thanks.