How to Install the Northwind SQL Server Sample Database

Here's a quick video to show you how to install Microsoft's Northwind sample database in SQL Server using the SQL Server Management Studio. Northwind is my recommended test database if you want to learn the basics of SQL and I'll try to use it in more of my SQL programming tutorials.

00:05 - Downloading Northwind
00:30 - Installing Northwind
01:16 - Validating the install

Note that you don't need to create a database for Northwind. The installation script will create the new database for you.

Which sample database do you think is the best one? I prefer Northwind over AdventureWorks because Northwind is less complex and the tables contain less data. Also AdventureWorks contains dubious coding practices that will make your DBA angry, like making a view with 10 table joins!!!

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[codingwithbrett]

Which SQL Server sample database do you think is the best one? I prefer Northwind over AdventureWorks because Northwind is less complex and the tables contain less data. Also AdventureWorks contains dubious coding practices that will make your DBA angry, like making a view with 10 table joins!!!

[RolyPoly]

Thank you!

It's worth noting that if the query executes successfully but the database does not show after refreshing it is because you actually needs to create the new database yourself by right clicking on ‘Databases’ and then selecting ‘New database’, to which all you have to do is name it ‘instnwnd’ and then click ok. After that, just right click on the new database you just created and then click ‘New query’. You actually run the code here. Execute it and then refresh the database. All the tables will be added.

[hendrag]

Thank you for this great video. Among all videos available regarding to install the Northwind database, I have found this video is the best one. It is simple and straightforward. GBU.

[aneta]

For some reason this does not work for me. I have run the query with the code from github, the query was completed successfully however when I select Refresh in the Databases, Northwnd does not appear. Any idea what could went wrong?

[paulsaraguro]

Very useful and straight to the point. Thank you Sir!!

[LuisPena-xx]

It seems like a bug in the sql script on Github, the create Northwind database statement isn't there. Best to create the Northwind database using default values, then run the downloaded sql statement against it. Brett was using an older version of the file on the video, so the statement might have existed at the time. Hope this helps.

[irynakovalenko]

Thanks, this was really fast and to the point!

[dhreemanchakraborty]

I spend a few hours attaching mdb but cudnt get it done . This method seemed like a magic. LOve you sir

[MistaZigreus]

Great video, thank you! I was missing the "Refresh" bit.

[bambina]

Didn't work. "Commands completed successfully" but no DB has been created

[olufowokemiodeyemi]

Thank you so much, you're indeed a great teacher. simple and straightforward. GBU

[אבררוטקלה-לט]

the best explenation in youtube, thanks

[azlo]

Hello, I need install this database, but archive in link not is complete, help please.

[szaronaangel]

Wo, Thanks It was really helpful <3