I have setup many DNN 4.x installations using SQL Server 2000, but I now have a situation that I need to use SQL Express 2005.  I don't want to install Visual Web Developer on the server so using the "starter kit" might not be my best option unless there is no other way when using SQL Express.  What is the easiest method for setting up DNN 4.x on the following configuration.

Basicly what I am asking is, if I want to use SQL 2005 Express, do I have to use the starter kit?  Do I install it with the starter kit on my workstation then copy it to the server?  Can I set up the "install" folder and just edit the connection string like we do when using the non-free versions of SQL Server?

I have full access to the server using remote desktop
Windows Server 2000
SQL Server Express 2005
DNN 4.03
DotNet Framework 2.x

Thanks,

I think you have a couple of concepts mixed up.  SQL Server 2005 Express is a totally independent product, it is not tied in any way to Visual Web Developer.  Regarding DNN, if your interest is just to run production on a server, use the "Install" package.  You don't need the starter kit.  The starter kit is for developers to develop custom modules, and they should use the Install version of DNN too.

By the way, you can also use DNN 4.4.1 with SQL 2000 and you just modify the connection string like you usually do (in two places though).  Also, I would recommend you to get the SQL Express 2005 package with the "Advanced Services", it comes with the SQL Server Management Studio Express management tool which you would otherwise have to install separately.

Hope this helps.

Carlos