In addition to scripting databases, you can create a new database by either selecting New Database from the Add context menu when a server node is selected in the Workspace ...

... or by selecting New Database from the Start page.

Both options will show the New Database Wizard, the only difference is that when invoked from the Workspace the server used to create the database on will default to the selected server in the Workspace.

Understanding the traffic light based navigation sequence

The wizard contains a series of steps that need to be carried out in order to create the new database. These steps are listed on the left hand side of the wizard each with a tool tip containing a description and the step's current status. The wizard uses a traffic light indicator to inform you whether the details for each step are valid or not. As you enter details the color of the step will change to reflect one of the following states:

Red - Indicated the step is currently invalid. The step's tool tip not only indicates the error status but also indicate why the step is invalid

Amber - Indicates the step is valid and using default values. These default values are valid but you may wish to change them so that the options and file locations etc. reflect your needs.

Green – Indicate the step is valid and using data that you have specified.

You may enter data against each step in any order by clicking on the desired step in the list. However, when a step is invalid you will not be able to progress past that step as later steps may depend on the valid data supplied by a previous one.

New Database Steps

Name

This step allows you to specify the name of the database and the server to create it on.

Data Files

This step allows you to specify the files to create in order to hold the data. When creating more than one file you can click the Auto-name button to create a unique name for each file.

Transaction Log Files

This step allows you to specify the files to create in order to hold the transaction log. When creating more than one file you can click the Auto-name button to create a unique name for each file.

File Groups

This step allows you to create file groups and specify which is to be used as the default. N.B. You cannot remove the PRIMARY file group.

Options

This step allows you to specify the database collation to use.

When all details have been filled in click the Finish button to create the database.