How to Install SQL Server 2005 Express?

• Download .NET 2.0 Environment (22.4M) (free) from Microsoft.
• Download SQL Server 2005 Express (36.4M) (free) from Microsoft.
• Download SQL Server 2005 Management Studio (39M) (free) from Microsoft.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express is a free version that Microsoft provided, we recommend it for most small to medium size enterprises. SQL Server 20005 Express requires .NET environment, so if your Windows is Windows XP/2000 without .NET framework installed, you need to download .NET Environment (22.4M) and install it firstly.

AA Mail Server stores only account information and decoded mail information in database, while stores original mail and decoded attachments in files. This significantly reduces database volume. Nevertheless, SQL Server 2005 Express has a limitation of its physical database file cannot exceed 4G, so that it is only suitable for small to medium business.

Step 1. Run SQL Server 2005 Express setup package to start installation. Most steps just click "Next" to continue.

Step 2. When on Authentication Mode settings, select "Mixed mode", and input your admin password. Other settings you can keep as default.

Step 3. Continue "Next" until 2005 Express installation finished. Now you can start to install AA Mail Server. In this case, "xxxx\SQLExpress" will be your Data Source, "xxxx" is your computer name.

Step 4. After installation, SQL Server Management Studio (free) is recommended for you to install. Download and run it, and click Next until install completion. Then you can startup it to manage your SQL Server.