🧾 Description
This article outlines the necessary steps and files required to enable SQL Server Compact Edition (SQL CE) functionality on Windows CE 6.0 and Windows Embedded Compact 7 (WEC7) devices. SQL CE is not pre-installed on these platforms and must be manually deployed by developers.
Environment
Target Devices: Windows CE 6.0 and WEC7
Development Tools: Visual Studio, .NET Compact Framework
SQL Version: SQL Server Compact Edition 3.5
Issue
SQL CE is not included by default on CE6/WEC7 devices. If SQL CE is not functioning, it is likely due to:
Missing SQL CE runtime libraries
Failed or incomplete installation
OS version restrictions in Microsoft’s original CAB files
🛠️ Resolution Steps
Option 1: Manually Deploy Required DLLs
On your development PC, navigate to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition\v3.5\Devices\wce500\armv4i
Copy all necessary SQL CE DLLs from this directory.
Include these DLLs in your application’s deployment .cab file or deploy them manually to the device.
Option 2: Use Prebuilt CAB Files
Microsoft originally released CAB files for CE6, but they are not compatible with WEC7 due to OS version checks.
To work around this:
Use manually edited CAB files with the OS version check removed.
These CABs can be deployed directly to CE6 or WEC7 devices.
In many cases, the file sqlce.wce5.armv4i.CAB is sufficient.
⚠️ Note: These modified CABs are not officially supported by Microsoft and should be tested thoroughly in your environment.
Additional Notes
Ensure the .NET Compact Framework is installed on the device before deploying SQL CE.
If you need to partition memory or install prerequisites on the device, you may also need to install .NET 2.0.