Can I deploy SQL Server Express with my desktop application just like builtin database?
From the FAQ:
Can I redistribute SQL Express?
SQL Server Express will be free to use and redistribute. The only requirement that we have is that you register to redistribute the product. The reason we require registration for redistribution is that we want to ensure that we can get critical security/product information to ISVs/partners if necessary.
-Euan Garden
Product Unit Manager
SQL Server Tools
Take a look on how to do it:
How to deploy SQL Server 2008 Express as a prerequisite with ClickOnce
ClickOnce Deployment: Customizing SQL Server Express
How To Install Sql Server Express In Package Deployment With Different Instance Name
As said by MS:"To obtain rights to redistribute SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, you must register with Microsoft. "The link is: http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2005/en/us/express-redistribute.aspx
Hope this will help.
By the way, you may be interested in MS SQL Server Compact : http://www.microsoft.com/Sqlserver/2005/en/us/compact.aspxIt's embedded dbms. It's free but also need a distribution rights registration:http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2005/en/us/compact-redistribute.aspx