SQL Server 2005 doesn't include the classic Pubs and Northwind databases. You can, however, download them from Microsoft. You'll get both binary database images (*.mdf and *.ldf) as well as SQL scripts.
If you plan to use the binary database files (*.mdf and *ldf), first copy those files to the correct default location for database files in a typical SQL Server 2005 installation:
c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\DATA\
This path varies somewhat depending how many instances of SQL Server you have on your machine.
You can either install from the Management Studio GUI if you have SQL Server 2005 Standard or Developer, or install from the command line if you have SQL Express. There is, however, a downloadable add-on version of the Management Studio GUI specifically for SQL Express.
Installing sample databases from the command line:
If you're using the binary files:
osql -E -Q "exec sp_attach_db @dbname=N'Northwind',
@filename1=N'C:\path\northwind.mdf',
@filename2=N'C:\path\northwind.ldf'"
If you're using SQL scripts:
sqlcmd -S .\SQLEXPRESS -E -I -i instpubs.sql
Installing sample databases from the Management Studio GUI:
If you're using the binary files:
If you're using SQL scripts:
There's also a rather large new sample database in SQL Server 2005 called AdventureWorks. Unfortunately, it's not installed by default. Rather than going through a tedious Add/Remove Programs cycle, you can download the standalone database from Microsoft. There's also a handy AdventureWorks schema diagram in HTML and Visio format.
