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How to restore/reconnect SQL Server data files after reinstallation
I have SQL Server 2005 express. Somehow, the program itself was deleted and I need to reinstall it. The .mdf, .ldf files still exist. For the moment, I have renamed the Data folder to Data_Save to avoid overwriting.
How can I go about reconnecting these file after re-installing Express? Should I rename the Data folder back to its correct name before re-installing?
How can I go about reconnecting these file after re-installing Express? Should I rename the Data folder back to its correct name before re-installing?
SOLUTION
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I decided to skip the Windows Installer step. I couldn't find any resolution to that.
Step 2 gave a link to, "download and install the 32-bit version of Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0." That link said, "We're sorry, this download is no longer available", so I skipped that too.
I just went ahead and ran the SQL Server 2005 express installer (step 3). That seemed to work, but on the "Install Instance" page it had radio buttons for 'Default Instance' or 'Named Instance'. I tried 'Default Instance' first, but it said an instance with this name already existed note that I did not delete any of the existing SQL Server folders). So, I then tried 'Named Instance'. Since I have no idea what the original instance name was, I just picked a name. The installation then ran to completion. It advised to download and install SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 3, which I did (32-bit version).
First problem: when I run SQL Server Management Studio there are no instances shown at all in the object explorer. What to do?
The 'Installed Instances' button on the SQL Server setup shows the named instance:
Step 2 gave a link to, "download and install the 32-bit version of Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0." That link said, "We're sorry, this download is no longer available", so I skipped that too.
I just went ahead and ran the SQL Server 2005 express installer (step 3). That seemed to work, but on the "Install Instance" page it had radio buttons for 'Default Instance' or 'Named Instance'. I tried 'Default Instance' first, but it said an instance with this name already existed note that I did not delete any of the existing SQL Server folders). So, I then tried 'Named Instance'. Since I have no idea what the original instance name was, I just picked a name. The installation then ran to completion. It advised to download and install SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 3, which I did (32-bit version).
First problem: when I run SQL Server Management Studio there are no instances shown at all in the object explorer. What to do?
The 'Installed Instances' button on the SQL Server setup shows the named instance:
SOLUTION
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ASKER
master, msdbdata still exist. The installation process created C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.2 with apparently new files. The ones I want are in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1.
Sorry, but the "just attach the databases" bit is where I'm stuck. Instructions I've read say, "Connect to your SQL Server Instance." But, that's my first problem. I get "Cannot connect to CANTLEYS-PC". See image.
connect.jpg
Sorry, but the "just attach the databases" bit is where I'm stuck. Instructions I've read say, "Connect to your SQL Server Instance." But, that's my first problem. I get "Cannot connect to CANTLEYS-PC". See image.
connect.jpg
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Decided that the best solution was to re-install from scratch.
ASKER
Later ...
Installation instructions say to first download Windows installer 3.1. I've attempted to do that, but I get the error, "Not enough storage is available to process this command." Any idea what's up? In the meantime, I'll try a different browser, and do more research.