MSDE & SQL Client Tools
Client Tools (Enterprise Manager, Query Analyser and MSDE Manager) Installation and Configuration
Most versions of Microsoft SQL Server require the user to purchase a license in order to use the database software. The "licensed" version of SQL Server comes with some built "GUI" client software applications that you can use to manage your database server. If you wish to keep cost to a minimum and use the "free" version of SQL Server 2000 which is MSDE then you have the added burden of having to mange your databases from the command line as no client tools are distributed with it and as we all know is not the friendliest environment with which to work.
These series of articles focus on the MSDE version of SQL Server 2000, this article in particular will briefly talk about the client tools that are supplied with the licensed version of SQL Server – Enterprise Manager and Query Analyser. We will then look in some detail at the options available to the users of the MSDE version of SQL Server, and the tools available for managing your databases without having to use the command line. The product we will be discussing is MSDE Manager which is an excellent tool that can be used to manage all SQL Server environments but because of its fair price and superb functionality allows the users of MSDE to have a Superb GUI environment with which to manage their databases.
SQL Server ("Built In" Client Tools)
SQL Server Client tools are installed when you install SQL Server. You can also install the "Client Tools only" on your PC or Desktop. In order to install the client tools you will need the SQL Server CD and select the "Client Tools Only" option when prompted. This process will install several software applications, the main two are described below.
SQL Server Enterprise Manager (Client)
SQL Server Enterprise Manager (EM) is one of the client tools supplied with SQL Server that provides users with a GUI interface to manage all SQL Servers installed within your environment and also allows you to manage the databases that reside on these servers.
Query Analyser
Microsoft's Query Analyser allows you to write and run your own Transact SQL[1] statements. It allows you to parse you code before running to check for syntax errors and also provides some useful colour co-ordination that changes the colour of key words etc.
MSDE Manger
The MSDE version of SQL Server is not distributed with any GUI client tools which can make managing your Instances and the databases that reside on them quite tricky and difficult. To overcome this Vale Software has developed an application call MSDE Manager which provides you all the features that come with the built SQL Server tools that are only distributed with "paid for" versions of SQL Server.
Despite its name it can be used to manage all versions of SQL Server. It combines the features of Enterprise Manager in that it allows you manager your Instance using a GUI interface it also combines Query Analyser in that it will allow you execute your own T-SQL code and scripts. We will discuss how to install and configure MSDE Manger here.
MSDE Manager Installation
This section will describe the installation of MSDE Manager.
1. Double click the executable download from the vale software website. This starts up the MSDE Manager installation Wizard.
2. The first screen advises you to shut down any applications that you may have running Click <Next>
2. You then have to accept the License agreement select <I accept…> and click <Next>
3. You then have to specify where the program will be installed. You can accept the default. Click <Next>
4. You are then asked what you want the folder in the Start menu to be called, again accept the default and click <Next>
5. Select the tick boxes if you want an icon on the desktop and a "Quick Launch" icon.
The final window gives you an overview of your choices and selections. Once you have confirmed this is correct click on <Install>
Once the installation has completed you will have to click on the icon on the desktop or from the start menu to begin.
The first time you run the program you will be prompted to enter your license key which will be supplied to you when you download the product. Once this information has been entered you will be ready to use the product.
This leaves one last to cover.
Registering you SQL Server in MSDE Manager
If you have installed your instance of MSDE before the installation MSDE Manager then MSDE Manager will pick up your instance and automatically register it for you.
If it does not do this then you have to register the instance manually – it is a very straight forward process. Start MSDE Manager
1. Right Click on "SQL Server Group" and select <New Server>
2. Enter the name of the instance you wish to register and select the properties that suit you needs. Then click <OK>
3. Your newly registered server will then appear under the SQL Server group
You can then manage your MSDE instance using this very powerful client tool. Later articles will discuss what can be achieved using this tool.
In conclusion this article has briefly looked at the client tools supplied with the "paid for" version of SQL Server and it has reviewed in depth the installation and configuration of MSDE Manager. The MSDE software coupled with this interface provides an easy to use RDBMS environment for databases.
[1] This is Microsoft's version of Structured Query Language (SQL)
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