Operating Troika on SQL Express


Troika requires Microsoft SQL Server to operate. Microsoft offer SQL Server Express editions, which are free versions of SQL Server that can be used to run the Troika database. However it does have some limitations when compared with the Standard or Enterprise versions of SQL Server. Our recommendation is to install and license the standard or enterprise edition, wherever possible.


If using Standard or Enterprise versions of SQL Server, you should ensure you have sufficient SQL Server client access licenses (CALs) or processor licenses in place for the number of Troika users required.


If you are considering using the free SQL Express edition then your attention is drawn to the following limitations:


  • Each database is limited to 10 GB - This is unlikely to be an issue for the majority of Troika users.
  • Supports one server processor - If your server has more than one processor, SQL Express won’t make use of it. You may need to speak with your IT department or IT support to see if this is an issue for you.
  • Supports 1 GB of server memory - If your server has more than one gigabyte of memory, SQL Express won’t make use of it. Again, you may need to speak with your IT department or IT support to see if this is an issue for you. You may experience some speed issues, particularly with large reports.
  • No automated maintenance feature - It isn’t possible to schedule a maintenance or backup routine that can be set to run automatically. This can be done manually, but you are responsible for maintaining the data and this must be done regularly. Other ‘housekeeping’ jobs to keep the database in order are also required and as these cannot be automated; these will need to be run manually by a database administrator.


If you do choose to use SQL Express you must also install the free to download, SQL Management Studio Express from Microsoft to allow you to perform these tasks on the database. If you have an experienced database administrator this won’t be difficult.


You can download the latest SQL Server Express direct from Microsoft here.

You can download the latest SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) direct from Microsoft here.


Please ensure, when installing that you complete the Custom installation, and install a default instance, not a named instance. In addition, once installed, remember within the SQL Server Configuration Manager to set the Protocols for SQLEXPRESS to be Enabled:

Shared Memory - Enabled

Named Pipes - Enabled

TCP/IP - Enabled


You may be required to re-start the SQL Server Service, for any changes to take effect.


Please also ensure any Windows Firewall is configured to allow SQL communications.


Please note that ensuring the database is backed up and maintained is the users responsibility and is not covered by the standard support provided by thewealthworks included in your annual license fee. More information on backup up SQL databases in SQL Express can be found here.


If you would like to discuss using SQL Express as an alternative to the Standard or Enterprise editions further, please open a support ticket with the support team here.  Some 3rd party applications and built-in server tools using ‘Windows Scheduler’ can be set-up to automate missing maintenance features on SQL Express.


To check on the current supported systems, please refer to our System Requirements.


These notes were last reviewed 03/2023.