Hi
I need help in making a copy of Northwind database using SQL server 2000 so that I do not interfere with the original Northwind database which comes with the original MS SQL server 2000 software.
Thanks

One of the easiest things to do is to get a nice fresh copy of it from the following URL...

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

It'll download everything you need to C:\SQL Server 2000 Sample Databases

Open the instnwnd.sql file, change all references to Northwind to (say) PlayWind and all references to Northwnd to PlayWind. Execute the script to make a new DB called PlayWind.

The download takes all of a minute with DSL and the installion of the new DB takes less than 10 seconds.

--Jeff Moden

Jeff,
Thanks for this. I have managed.
Another quick question. Say if it was not northwind database I am working with. Let say I am in a company and I have to work on their database and need to make a copy of their database and work with that copy. How would I go with that? At least with this northwind there is sample one to download and we are able to change the script file. Will there be some script files for us to change and execute? Thanks again. I am trying to learn SQL by myself so I am prety new to the area.

There are several ways... one way is to copy the database (MDF/[NDF]/LDF) files. In most every case I can think of, you will need to either detach the db or stop the SQL Server services to make the copy. Another way is to restore a copy from a backup. Still another way, if both machines are on a network is to use the Copy Database Wizard in Enterprise Manager. The most drastic way is to use some form of replication... it can be a real bugger.

Or, you can gen the database script from Enterprise Manager to create the objects with the understanding that they may not be created in the correct order if any referential integrity is present. Also, no data will be copied using this method.

--Jeff Moden