App using SQL Express - limit access to data in MDF

Question

I have an app I'm sending out with a SQLExpress installer and the database (in .mdf and .ldf files) so the end-user can install the app and sql express and have access to all the data through the application.

My question is "How can I keep the user from using the SA account or their nt admin account to view the data?"

I want to force the user to use the application to access the data. Is there a way to do this on their install of SQLExpress?

Ryan Alford · Answer

my understanding is that he doesn't want the user to be able to open SQL Server Management studio and view the tables/data in the database. he said that he wants to keep the user from using the sa account. He said nothing about keeping the password the same.

Bechir Bejaoui · Answer

But his problem that he wants to keep sa as password at the same time the db has to not be accessed but by the application am I wrong?

Ryan Alford · Answer

change the sa account and put the authentication mode at SQL server only

Luke · Answer

Correct.

Bechir Bejaoui · Answer

Could you precise a detail you want that only the application access the data base and not any other application like sql server mangmeent console?