Setting up SQL Server 2008 Express for PSSODMS

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express Edition is the ideal choice of database platform for singleuser deployment of PSSODMS. Your PC workstation can be configured as a local database server in just a few simple steps.

1. Download SQL Server 2008 Express Edition

Download the SQL Server 2008 Express Edition installer from the Microsoft Download Center website. Be sure to pick the 32-bit or 64-bit version consistent with your hardware and OS.

2. Install SQL Server 2008 Express Edition

Run the installer and follow the suggestions below:

3. (OPTIONAL) Install SSMSE and configure SQL Server memory usage

For performance reasons, you may want to limit the amount of system memory SQL Server is allowed to use. If so, download and install SQL Server 2008 Management Studio Express (SSMSE) from the Microsoft Download Center website link below. Be sure to pick the 32-bit or 64-bit version consistent with your hardware and OS. www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=08e52ac2-1d62-45f6-9a4a4b76a8564a2b Launch SSMSE, open the Server Properties dialog, click the Memory item and change the maximum server memory setting to a reasonable value, depending on how much RAM your workstation has.

4. Install SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 2

Download and install SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 2 from the Microsoft Download Center website link below. Be sure to pick the 32-bit or 64-bit version consistent with your hardware and OS. www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=8fbfc1de-d25e-4790-88b57dda1f1d4e17

5. Test database connectivity

Launch PSSODMS and choose File->Open Database. Select the SQL Server database type and type in .\sqlexpress for the server name. Expand the model name drop-down list (this may take a few seconds). Initially, the list should be empty; if this test is successful, no error messages will be presented. If an error message occurs, first verify the installation steps above then contact Siemens PTI Support.

6. Test Data Import

Choose Model->Import->Import PSSE Model, set the database type and server name consistent with the previous step and select one of the installed sample RAW files to import.
If this final test is successful, the import process will complete without error and PSSODMS will automatically open the imported model.

A note on SQL Server memory consumption

When importing multiple PSSODMS models consecutively, you may notice SQL Server allocating an increasing amount of memory.

If you followed Step 3 above, then this amount will be limited; however, you can also clear memory by restarting the SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) service from Computer Management or by rebooting your workstation.