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Someone recently told me I could use SQL Server 2008 R2 Express edition for a single website. But don't you need the Server Agent for connections (I think. I'm trying to remember things from over several years ago now!) and Express has it's Server Agent disabled?

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How would you use the server if you couldn't connect to it? – Greg B Mar 29 '11 at 8:54
SQL Express actually doesn't have the agent at all any more. The service isn't even registered on the server. – mrdenny♦ Apr 2 '11 at 7:22

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You do not need the SQL Server Agent. It has nothing to do with database connectivity.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189237.aspx

SQL Server Agent is a Microsoft Windows service that executes scheduled administrative tasks, which are called jobs. SQL Server Agent uses SQL Server to store job information. Jobs contain one or more job steps. Each step contains its own task, for example, backing up a database. SQL Server Agent can run a job on a schedule, in response to a specific event, or on demand. For example, if you want to back up all the company servers every weekday after hours, you can automate this task. Schedule the backup to run after 22:00 Monday through Friday; if the backup encounters a problem, SQL Server Agent can record the event and notify you.

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Sorry if it's a stupid question I just remember once (a long time ago) trying to setup SQL Express, being unsuccessful and everything at the time said it was because of the lack of server agent. Am I thinking of some other reason for this? – EddyR Mar 29 '11 at 9:55
The setup process for SQL Server 2005 Express somewhat fragile. Newer versions are more robust. You should install SQL Server Express and see how it goes. – ta.speot.is Mar 29 '11 at 10:08
Okay maybe I'm looking for a problem that doesn't really exist. I just had a really strong feeling about it. – EddyR Mar 29 '11 at 10:10
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One downside of no agent is you'll need some other mechanism to schedule backups, the Windows task scheduler works fine. – SqlACID Mar 29 '11 at 11:07
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Well I'll be damned, it actually worked perfectly. I would have sworn it wouldn't have. Any way thanks again for you time! – EddyR Mar 29 '11 at 15:08

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