What are the limitations of the FREE SQL Express 2008 ? [Updated 26th October 2009]

SQL Server Express is a free, easy to use, redistributable version of SQL Server 2005 designed for building simple data-driven applications. SQL Server Express has most of the features offered by SQL Server full version, but with certain limitations. This makes SQL Server Express a good choice for small and medium scale applications.

Most of the limitations of SQL Server Express edition will not affect the small/medium scale applications.

Limitations of SQL Server Express Edition

1. Number of CPUs supported

SQL Server Express uses only one CPU at a time. It can be installed on a server with multiple CPUs, but it will use only one CPU at a time.

2. Maximum memory used

SQL Server Express uses a maximum of 1 GB memory for it's data buffer. So, if your server has severaql GB memeory, SQL Server Express cannot take advantage of it.

4. Database size limit

Maximum database size is limited to 4 GB (log file size is not counted)

5. Profiler in SQL Server Express

Profiler tool is not included with SQL Server Express editions.

6. Job Scheduler

Job Scheduling service is not available with SQL Server Express.

7. Import/Export

Data import and export feature is not available with SQL Server Express.

A complete feature comparison of various editions of SQL Server can be found at the Microsoft web site - http://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodinfo/features/compare-features.mspx


SQL Express 2008

Physical Limitations

SQL Express 2008 has the same physical limitations that existed in SQL Express 2005:

    * 1 CPU.
    * 1 GB Memory
    * 4 GB of user data per database

Since people always ask - you can run SQL Express on machines that exceed these limits, SQL Express just ignores any addition CPUs or memory. SQL Express will take advantage of multiple cores on the single CPU by starting a scheduler for each core.

Feature Support

The same features available in SQL Express 2005 are still available in SQL Express 2008, if you need a refresher on those you can find them in the Feature Comparison chart in Books Online. This post only calls out the features in SQL Express that are new in 2008.

More at http://blogs.msdn.com/sqlexpress/archive/2008/06/10/sql-server-2008-express-rc0.aspx

Update on 26Th October 2009

CCH: Based on the latest download of SQL Express 2008 with Advanced Services, Import & Export of Data is now available. In addition, you must use Mixed Mode ratther than Windows authentication for smooth connectivity from your Client software.