How can I enable Full-Text indexing using SQL Server Management Studio in SQL Server 2008 Express?

Question

I did it using the commands as described here and it works but I want to do it using the SQL Management Studio.

SQL Server 2008 Books Online says this:

To create a full-text catalog:

1. In Object Explorer, expand the server, expand Databases, and expand the database in which you want to create the full-text catalog.

2. Expand Storage, and then right-click Full Text Catalogs.

Select New Full-Text Catalog.

In the New Full-Text Catalog dialog box, specify the information for the catalog that you are re-creating. For more information, see New Full-Text Catalog (General Page).

Click OK.

There's no such option as Storage in my SQL Server Management Studio.

Am I missing something?

Answer 1

You need to install SQL Server 2008 Express with Advanced Services in order to be able to use Full Text search in 2008 Express.

Answer 2

Are you using the full edition of SSMS or the Express edition?

Also, are you using the latest version of the SQL BooksOnline. either the August 2008 release, or the online version. The version of BOL that shipped at RTM was unfortunately written primarly around the February release, and there were a significant number of changes to SSMS between then and release.

Answer 3

Ok. It appears that SSMS-E does not support management of FullText catalogs.

There is a free add-in on CodePlex (http://www.codeplex.com/FulltextManager) that appears to add this functionality.

Alternately, you could purchase SQL2008 Developer edition (I believe the cost is still only $49US) which includes the full edition of SSMS, and can connect to a SSE installation.

Answer 4

I guess using the CodePlex addin is the only way, because even with SSMS from Standard edition you are unable to manage Express fulltext catalogs.

Answer 5

Thanks a lot. It helped me so much :)

Answer 6

I have modified the project to handle one of the installation error. If anyone interested please let me know [email protected]

Answer 7

Does not seem to work anymore on Windows 2008 64bits...

Answer 8

You should install SQL Express 2008 service pack 1 -> http://www.apijunkie.com/APIJunkie/blog/post/2010/07/12/Fix-SQL-Server-2008-Express-Full-Text-Index-Management-Missing.aspx