Can I manage MSDE with SSMS??

Hello,

We have an XP workstation containing a very important MSDE-based
application. Its MSDE database isn't likely to change for quite a
while.

The app contains an internal backup method (File, Backup, Backup) and
an auxiliary app/script for shrinking the database and logs. I would
like to automate the backup and shrinking so end users don't have to
remember to do them.

The workstation has a static IP so it can go out to the Internet when
necessary.
The workstation is presently not joined to the domain.

1. Can I install SSMS Express *only* as a local app (without SQL
Express 2005) and thus use SSMS to set up nightly backups and periodic
shrink database/logs jobs??

2. We have SSMS running on SQL 2005 server box in the domain. If I
join the workstation only to the domain (local account logon is not
changed, still used), could I use SSMS from the SQL 2005 box?? Would I
need a domain login on the XP box to make this work??

Thank you, Tom

Re: Can I manage MSDE with SSMS??

tlyczko (tlyczko@gmail.com) writes:
> The app contains an internal backup method (File, Backup, Backup) and
> an auxiliary app/script for shrinking the database and logs. I would
> like to automate the backup and shrinking so end users don't have to
> remember to do them.

Shrinking? Have you read this one:
http://www.karaszi.com/SQLServer/info_dont_shrink.asp

> 1. Can I install SSMS Express *only* as a local app (without SQL
> Express 2005) and thus use SSMS to set up nightly backups and periodic
> shrink database/logs jobs??

SSMS or SSMS Express? SSMS Express does not have support for SQL Agent,
you would need the real SSMS.

There used to be a license issue which precluded using the SQL 2000
tools with MSDE. That is, it was technically possible, it was not just
permitted by the license. I don't know what applies for the SQL 2005
tools and MSDE. You may want to check this with your local MS
representative.

> 2. We have SSMS running on SQL 2005 server box in the domain. If I
> join the workstation only to the domain (local account logon is not
> changed, still used), could I use SSMS from the SQL 2005 box?? Would I
> need a domain login on the XP box to make this work??

You could connect with SQL authentication to the XP box.


--
Erland Sommarskog, SQL Server MVP, esquel@sommarskog.se

Books Online for SQL Server 2005 at
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sql/2005/downlo ads/books.mspx
Books Online for SQL Server 2000 at
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodinfo/previousversions/books .mspx