Importing/Exporting data with SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
The first time I launched the SQL Server Management Studio Express (formerly known as Sql Server Enterprise Manager) I was amazed! It was good, fast and had a nice layout.
WOW! I thought. But I suddenly stopped when I tried to import some databases from another server. Yes because after having created an empty database I right clicked on it… tools… …tools… And where the hell is “Import/Export Data”????? I tried to find out what was wrong: The Sql Express was correctly installed; the Service Pack has been already applied… but the import/export functionalities where still missing!
I looked through some blogs to understand why I didn’t have that functions, but the only thing I was able to get was as simple as terrifying: The SQL Server Management Studio Express Edition does not include the import/export functionality!Â
Gosh! Gosh… (yes, I have to admit that “gosh” was not the real word I had used… but I like to be polite on the blog).
But I didn’t lost my nerves and I tried… and tried until I found something related to the DTS service, but how to install it was quite impossible to understand, so I managed to TRY (yes, risking the stability of my system), but in the end I was able to import/export data from/to Sql Server 2005 Express Edition: this is an Idiots’ guide to save your time….
- First of all be sure you have the SQL Server 2005 Express Edition installed. (yes, I know it is stupid to say, but I told you it would have been an “Idiots’ Guide“)
- If I were you I would install the service pack 1 (Yes: I know that the SP1 was out 1 month after the release of the product, but you know Microsoft…)
- Download and install the “tiny” (!) Microsoft Sql Server 2005 Express Edition Toolkit. more than 200 meg of Love for your tiny SQL Server and install it! (I don’t know you, but to avoid misunderstanding with the installer I decided to install EVERY SINGLE PART of it… it’s up to you!
- After the process (you can have a nap or you can decide for a good coffee meanwhile) you will be able to import/export data! Yes, but… No, you will not be able to use the Management Studio… instead you will find a good standalone tool called… DTSWizard (he he he) probably in this path C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\DTS\Binn\DTSWizard.exe (to be a real Idiots’ Guide I should tell you to search in you Program Files folder and then go to Microsoft SQL Server\90\DTS\Binn\DTSWizard.exe)
Well, I hope to have saved some time to someone who should avoid some scream against M$!
If you have any updates or corrections, please let me know!
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