C# + MS SQL Database Deployment Problem???

Question

Hi,

I have developed a Application in C# using Microsoft Visual Studio 2005. The application uses the Sql Server 2005 database (Sql Express) - one that comes bundled with MVS 2005. The application is running fine. Now I have to create a Setup and install it on the other computer.

I added a Setup Project to current solution and created a setup using wizard. The problem is after installing the application and running the application - there is a database problem - The application can not get the connection or something.

I want to know what to do with the database while creating a setup? There is no Enterprise manager with SQl Server 2005 so I can not backup my DB.
Does the Computer on which the application is to be installed should have SQl server installed?

If yes, how to add this DB to that computer so that there are no problems?

Also I want to know about the Crystal reports path. The crystal reports are loaded from some fixed path now. But the user of the application may install the application anywhere. So how to set path for crystal reports? Will application setup takes care of these paths or they need to be handled manually?


I want a simple solution.

[Note:The database contains 6 tables and many stored procedures]

Thanks!
Sanket A.

Answer 1

hi Sanket,

You have to install sql server but it can be added in setup project with dependancies option.

there is option for installing other component in which sql server is provided.

if you select this option then your setup will automatically install sql server.

and  for path problem you can use 

Application.StartupPath

this will return path where your application's executable file.

so relating to this you can adjust your crystal reports.