SQL Server 2005 Express with the Full-Text option greyed out

I’ve just been struggling to enable full-text search on my installation of SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, and so want to share the solution.

If, like me, the ‘Use full-text indexing’ checkbox was greyed out under Database > Properties > Files, you first need to test whether Full-Text Indexing is installed or not. To do this, execute the query.

If this returns 0, you need to install Full-Text Search.

Firstly, did you install SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Advanced Series? Only the Advanced Series contains full-text. If not, you may need to reinstall.

However if so, then you just need to change the installation to include Full-Text Indexing. But if you originally installed from a download from the above link (most of you) then you’ll find that when you try to modify the installation via Control Panel > Applications / Programs, Windows prompts you for the installation file ‘sqlrun_sql.msi’. This is because the download unpacked the installation files to a temporary folder which can no longer be found.

To resolve this issue, you need to download the file again from the link above, move it to a folder, and unzip (I used WinRAR). Then point Windows to the sqlrun_sql.msi file (under /setup, wherever you unzipped the download) when it prompts you for the installation file.

For additional info, see here.

For additional support setting up Full-Text Search once installed, watch this video on the topic from Micosoft, BUT I think you’ll find my new tutorial on seting up Full-Text Search in SQL Server 2005 Express much quicker and more intuitive to be honest..

6 Responses to SQL Server 2005 Express with the Full-Text option greyed out

1. Pingback: SQL Server 2005 Express Full-Text Search Setup Tutorial - Web Strategy Blog

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3. Handy says:

   Thanks, I’ve been looking all over for that. Now installing advanced series…

   Reply
4. Colin Hamilton says:

   Vendor of a database package is suggesting we enable “full-text indexing” for their database but box is greyed out.
   (Your suggested test query also produces a ’0′ result)
   Vendor suggested downloading “SQLEXPR_ADV.EXE” and re-installing (without uninstalling) and selecting the “full text search” feature. When I do that I am told that “no effective change will be made” and the setup process stops.
   Before I proceed with trying to “change” existing installation in Control Panel, is that likely to work given what has happened thus far?
   Many thanks. Colin.

   Reply
5. tobe eze says:

   I could not find SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Advanced Series and I don’t know if SQL Server 2008 R2 Express Edition Advanced Series would be compatible with my Visual Studio 2008.

   Reply

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