DotNetNuke FAQ, Part I
There are Q's culled from the referrer stats on my blog from various SE referrals.
Where do I get the DotNetNuke database?
In DNN 2.1.2, the Access database is provides with the installation. In both versions 2.1.2 and 3, the SQL Server database is created for you the first time the portal is accessed. After installing the portal, you manually create the database and database login (if necessary), and modify the connection strings in the web.config. Using the connection string you specify, the portal will connect and execute several SQL scripts to create the tables, views, sprocs, etc.
What is the DotNetNuke database name?
If you are using the AccessDataProvider in DNN 2.1.2, the database is named dotnetnuke.mdb.resources.
If you are using the SqlDataProvider in DNN 2.1.2 or 3, whatever you want to name it. You specify which database to use in the connection string.
Will DotNetNuke work with MSDE?
It should, but you will need some way to create the DNN database manually. This can be done via OSQL, or the Web Data Admin. For what it's worth, I recommend spending the $50 to get SQL Server Developer Edition.
What is the DotNetNuke connection string?
For the AccessDataProvider, you just have to specify the path to the file. For the SqlDataProvider, the following string works for me:
Server=localhost;Database=DotNetNuke;uid=MyUser;pwd=MyPassword
How can I create a DNN Database manually?
You shouldn't need to if you are using the Access or SQL Server providers. It is possible to use an Access database to manually create a SQL Server database using the Upsizing Wizard (look this up in the Access help--it's too much to outline here). If you want to try and use DNN with another database, such as MySql or Oracle, check with the suppliers of the proper providers--they should have the scripts to create the DB.
For one example of upsizing an Access DB to a SQL Server DB, check out this article: How to convert DNN Access to SQL Server (hat top: wwwcoder.com)
Where are the DotNetNuke install instructions?
They are in the ZIP file. After you download and unzip the file, drill down into the Documentation subdirectory.