In this article I will explain how to download and install the Microsoft’s Northwind and Pubs databases and then attach them to the SQL Server or SQL Server Express.
The Northwind and Pubs databases are available for free by Microsoft and can be downloaded and used in any SQL Server or SQL Server Express version namely 2005, 2008, 2008R2, 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2019.
Step 1: Download the Microsoft’s free sample Northwind database
In order to download the Microsoft’s free sample Northwind database, you will need to visit the following URL.
Step 2: Installing Microsoft’s free sample Northwind database
A Setup file (.MSI) will be downloaded. You can save it on your desktop as you’ll need to execute it once download is complete.
As soon as the file download is completed, you can start the installation by Double Clicking the Setup file or by doing Right Click and then clicking the Install Option from the Context Menu.
![Install the Northwind and Pubs Sample Databases in SQL Server Express]()
Once the installation is completed you can check the installed database files in the following location, and you will find the Northwind Database in the Installation Folder.
![Install the Northwind and Pubs Sample Databases in SQL Server Express]()
Step 3: Attaching the Northwind MDF file to SQL Server Database using Management Studio
Now you need to start the SQL Server Management Studio and then Right Click the Databases folder from the Object Explorer. In the Context Menu click on the Attach option as shown below.
![Install the Northwind and Pubs Sample Databases in SQL Server Express]()
This option will open up a File Browser within SQL Server and you need to navigate and select the NORTHWIND.MDF file and press OK button.
![Install the Northwind and Pubs Sample Databases in SQL Server Express]()
That’s it you will see that the database is now available in your SQL Server along with the other databases.
![Install the Northwind and Pubs Sample Databases in SQL Server Express]()
