Movement between Sql Server and Express

[AnnaFoot]

Hello,
I have a client with a large database running on Sqlserver 2000, accessed from an access 2003 front end. They are looking to replace their server, and therefore possibly their version of sql server. At the moment, i have sql 2000 on my machine, and regularly take a back up of their database, and restore it on mine for development purposes - so that i have relatively recent data etc.

I have not figured out a way (maybe there is one, i don't know) to back up a sql 2005 database and restore it on sql 2000. So i need to also upgrade the version on my machine. If i get the 2005 express version, will i be able to backup from a full version and restore to express? I'll never need to go the other way. If not, do microsoft offer cheap options for developers?

Also, can you have more than one version of sql server on your machine?

Thanks in advance,
Anna

 

[HiTechCoach]

There is a developer edition. I use the Action Pack Subscription.

 

[dportas]

You can restore to Express from any edition provided the data file size doesn't exceed 4GB.

Developer Edition has all the features of Enterprise Edition and runs on a desktop / laptop. It costs less than $50 and for development purposes only it is a much better option than Express.

 

[AnnaFoot]

Thank you dportas, that's really helpful. Do you know if i can have sql 2000, and 2008 developer running on the same machine?

Anna