Hi,

I've been writing a website using ASP.NET 2.0 and a SQL Server 2005 Express database as per the wroxunited website.

I need to get some webhosting though - and most webhosts I've talked to either tell me I need to pay for SQL Server 2005 (full version and expensively hosted!) or even less amusing: 'Microsoft highly recommends hosts not to support SQL Express'.

If you use the local filename connection as you are taught how to in the Beginning ASP.NET 2.0 book, what hardware do you actually need to pay for? Do you need the SQL Server 2005 database engine?

I've got so far and am now stuck trying to find someone to put the website 'out there' for a reasonable cost!

Tony

Hi,

I agree with this post entirely and I am battling the exact same problem

Worst case, what I am looking for is a simple utility, available either for the development side or at the ISP that enables an upgrade to the full SQL version

I heard mention of such a development here:

http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archi...15/427581.aspx

But, I can find no more information.

Any comments upon this frustrating problem would be very helpful and appreciated

Hi xpdev,

I finally managed to find a host that would let me try, and after a couple of days of issues (they put me on a Linux host first, and then a .NET 1.1 framework) I have now got the hosting I wanted.

Problem is the database doesn't connect.

Thanks for the link to the forum, I may well see if I can just use the Express database as a development tool and use a MYSQL database or SQL Server database in production - depending on whether I can get the SQL Server cheaply enough.

In the meantime I think I may have to cancel the webhosting and redevelop the site and then choose the most appropriate host for hosting.

Sorry - but I think I am giving up with SQL Server 2005 Express unless the host can wave their magic wand.

Shame the books use them though...

T