What is the difference between SQL Server 2012 Express versions?

sql-server-2012-express sql-server-2008-express
Rushino picture Rushino · Jun 23, 2012 · Viewed 160.6k times · Source

I've come across this page http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=29062 and I am a bit confused about the different versions here.

So I would like to know what is the difference between

  • SQLEXPR_x64_ENU.exe
  • SQLEXPRADV_x64_ENU.exe
  • SQLEXPRWT_x64_ENU.exe

Answer

marc_s picture marc_s · Jun 23, 2012

Scroll down on that page and you'll see:

Express with Tools (with LocalDB) Includes the database engine and SQL Server Management Studio Express)
This package contains everything needed to install and configure SQL Server as a database server. Choose either LocalDB or Express depending on your needs above.

That's the SQLEXPRWT_x64_ENU.exe download.... (WT = with tools)

Express with Advanced Services (contains the database engine, Express Tools, Reporting Services, and Full Text Search)
This package contains all the components of SQL Express. This is a larger download than “with Tools,” as it also includes both Full Text Search and Reporting Services.

That's the SQLEXPRADV_x64_ENU.exe download ... (ADV = Advanced Services)

The SQLEXPR_x64_ENU.exe file is just the database engine - no tools, no Reporting Services, no fulltext-search - just barebones engine.

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