Downloading Northwind and pubs Sample Databases

The Northwind and pubs sample databases are not installed by default in Microsoft SQL Server 2005. These databases can be downloaded from this Microsoft Web site.

After downloading SQL2000SampleDb.msi, extract the sample database scripts by double-clicking SQL2000SampleDb.msi. SQL2000SampleDb.msi will extract the database scripts and a Readme file into this default folder: C:\SQL Server 2000 Sample Databases. Follow the instructions in the Readme file for running the installation scripts.

Note

The scripts for creating these databases have been updated to remove the guest account to improve security. The pubs installation script has been updated to include all of the data for the database, eliminating the requirement to run separate jobs to add data after creating pubs.

See Also

Tasks

Reinstalling Sample Databases from Script

Concepts

Running Setup to Install AdventureWorks Sample Databases and Samples

Other Resources

AdventureWorks to Northwind Table Comparison
AdventureWorks to pubs Table Comparison

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance