Haven't decided... probably c# custom made program or something like that. I tried using access xp but it says sql server 2005 is newer than it so some features aren't allowed in access. I haven't got the expert experience needed (probably) to create the frontend in c#, so I will probably stumble through it for a while. The db design is one of my hugest weak points though. Any ideas on how to do something like this? -----Original Message----- From: programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of james.homme@xxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 11:58 AM To: programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: sql server 2005 express database design Hi andy, In my opinion, you should store the files in the file system and the information about the files in the database. Out of curiosity, what are you going to use as the front-end? Thanks. Jim James D Homme, , Usability Engineering, Highmark Inc., james.homme@xxxxxxxxxxxx, 412-544-1810 "It's more important for me to start to do the right thing than it is to wait until I think I can do it just right." "Andy B" <a_borka@sbcgloba l.net> To Sent by: programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx programmingblind- cc bounce@freelists. org Subject sql server 2005 express database design 10/26/2007 11:44 AM Please respond to programmingblind@ freelists.org I need to write a program that references, categorizes, indexes and allows searches (including full text searches) on data inserted into the database. Different data formats like Word, rtf, txt, html and other sources would have to be put into the database. Is it easier/better to insert the files themselves (i.e. insert the actual word file) or just the text+formatting of the word file? Any ideas how to do this stuff or where I can find out more? __________ View the list's information and change your settings at //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind __________ View the list's information and change your settings at //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind