free distribution of "Database Engine"

Hi:

I'm an asp.net programmer and my database is in access format.
My server is Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition Service Pack 1.
I do not need microsoft access installed on my server to access my database through asp.net.

I want migrate my database to sql server 2005

Could I access my database in sql server 2005 format (mdf) through asp.net without sql server 2005 installed on the server?

could I buy to microsoft only "Database Engine"? or
Is there a free distribution of "Database Engine"?

Thanks!!

There is a free version of SQL Server 2005, SQL Server Express..

http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/

The data does need to be on some machine somewhere with SQL Server installed.

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Hi,

You do not need Access installed on the server, only the runtime (which I think ships with Windows these days, at the very worst the runtime is freely distributable if you have VSTO). You should take a look at SQL Server 2005 Express edition (http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/download/). Free, and as easy (or easier) to use as Access.

Hope this helps.