Looking for AdventureWorks?

Help! I just realized that installing SQL Server 2005 doesn't automatically install Microsoft sample databases, such as AdventureWorks, or related sample applications. How do I install them?

I think installing sample databases is more intuitive in SQL Server 2000 than in SQL Server 2005.You can download these useful tools from the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e719e cf7-9f46-4312-af89-6ad8702e4e6e.

For more information about installing sample databases and applications during or after a SQL Server installation, read the SQL Server 2005 Books Online (BOL) topic"Running Setup to Install Adventure-Works Sample Databases and Samples" and my SQL Server Perspectives article "Dig Into AdventureWorks" (May 18, 2006, InstantDoc ID 50388). Personally, I think Microsoft should include the sample database and applications as part of the SQL Server 2005 installation, especially because BOL makes many references to AdventureWorks while explaining features and how functions work. AdventureWorks takes up some disk space, but it's a great learning tool that's valuable for testing new queries.