8

I was wondering if the SQL Server Management Studio Express (mainly for Microsoft SQL Server) be installed on a standalone machine (without any of the SQL Services and stuff) to connect to a remote database?

I run a SQL Server 2012; I have been told by one of my managers that they wish me to create a web UI for specified users to run queries / update the database; this is within my ability of PHP; but I was thinking for ease, I could make a proposition to scrap the need for the Web UI because this will cost a lot of time for our server administrators, but install SMSE on our network machines to connect to/manage our databases?

Is this possible? or would I have to go through the painful task of creating a WebUI which displays schemas, tables etc.

Improve this question
0

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
10

Yes, you can install Management Studio (or Management Studio Express) on a workstation that doesn't have SQL Server services. Just pick Management Tools - Complete and Management Tools - Basic during setup. You should be able to do this with any edition of SQL Server you have except for the most basic Express editions - just be aware that technically you need to possess at least one license when using it to manage production instances (though that may have loosened up over the years).

If you don't have an edition of SQL Server that comes with client tools, or you don't have a license to use the full version of Management Studio, you can always download Management Studio Express. @Bummi recommended the RTM release of SQL Server 2012 Express, but the Service Pack 2 version is a better option - since it provides a full version of Management Studio that no longer has feature limitations or licensing requirements:

I have more thorough download/install instructions in this answer:

Improve this answer
1
  • I'm quite surprised, after checking where I got a +1 from, that you are still maintaining this answer. You do go out of your way to help!
    – Daryl Gill
    Commented Jul 27, 2015 at 16:36
4

This is possible You can get it from here and just choose to install.

SQL Server Management Studio Express (Tools only)

Improve this answer
3
  • So this is possible to connect to a SQL Server using SMSE on a machine which has no services?
    – Daryl Gill
    Commented Feb 5, 2013 at 19:56
  • @Daryl yes, you can install Management Studio (or Management Studio Express) on a machine that doesn't have a SQL Server Engine. Just choose Management Tools - Complete and Management Tools - Basic during setup.
    – Aaron Bertrand
    Commented Feb 5, 2013 at 23:11
  • An even better link would be SQL Server 2012 Service Pack 1 Express - since this version of Management Studio Express is the first one that doesn't have any limitations (basically full parity with the proper editions).
    – Aaron Bertrand
    Commented Feb 5, 2013 at 23:13
2

Yes you can install SQL Server Management on as many machines as you want. The user just connects to the remote SQL Server instances using their domain username and password.

When going through the installer. When you get to the list of stuff to install select only the management tools.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.