Ms Sql Server Express Portable [repack] -

The DATA folder (containing .mdf and .ldf files) requires specific ACLs (Access Control Lists) for the service account. On a portable drive (often FAT32 or exFAT), advanced NTFS permissions don't exist. Furthermore, locking files for concurrent access becomes problematic.

LocalDB is a lightweight version of Express created for developers. It doesn't run as a continuous service; it starts only when your application connects to it and stops when it's done. ms sql server express portable

Download SQL Server Express LocalDB, store your .mdf files on a high-speed USB 3.2 SSD, and script your startup. You will get the portability you need without fighting the architecture of Windows. The DATA folder (containing

Windows Authentication (if your user has permissions) or SQL Login. advanced NTFS permissions don't exist. Furthermore

Server=(localdb)\MSSQLLocalDB;Integrated Security=true;AttachDbFileName=C:\Data\MyDB.mdf;