SqlPackageExecutable - System Parameter
The SqlPackageExecutable System Parameter holds the full path to SqlPackage.exe, the command-line tool in Microsoft's Data-Tier Application Framework (DacFx). The Logging Service runs it to create new Log Databases when the active one gets too old or too large, and the Update Log Database guide uses the same path in the scripts it generates.
At a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Key | SqlPackageExecutable |
| Data type | string (full file path) |
| Default | Set during installation, for example C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\170\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
| Read by | Logging Service |
| Takes effect | Within about 15 seconds; no restart needed |
| Status | ✅ Active |
How It Works
New Log Databases are deployed from a .dacpac file. When the Logging Service splits the active Log Database (see DaysToSplitDatabaseOn and SizeToSplitDatabaseOn), it runs SqlPackage.exe from this path, with the connection options from SqlPackageParams. When you update Log Databases manually, the Update Log Database guide generates SqlPackage.exe commands with the same path.
SqlPackage.exe must exist at the path on the server that runs the Logging Service. If the file is missing, or the DacFx version is too old, Nodinite can't create new Log Databases.
Choosing a Value
- Always install the latest DacFx, whatever SQL Server version hosts the databases. The latest version works with every supported SQL Server version, and the generated update scripts use options that only recent versions have. Download it from Microsoft: DacFx
- Update the path after you install a newer DacFx; the folder number in the path changes with the version.
- Check the path when you move to another SQL Server; the Database Migration Planning checklist includes this step.
DAC Folder per SQL Server Version
The DacFx installer puts SqlPackage.exe in a folder named after the SQL Server major version. Use the row for the DacFx version you installed.
| Folder | SQL Server version | 64-bit path | 32-bit path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170 | SQL Server 2025 | C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\170\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
❌ Not available |
| 160 | SQL Server 2022 | C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\160\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
❌ Not available |
| 150 | SQL Server 2019 | C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\150\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\150\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
| 140 | SQL Server 2017 | C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\140\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\140\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
| 130 | SQL Server 2016 | C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\130\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\130\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
| 120 | SQL Server 2014 | C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\120\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\120\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
| 110 | SQL Server 2012 | C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\110\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\110\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
| 105 | SQL Server 2008 R2 | C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\105\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\105\DAC\bin\SqlPackage.exe |
To see which SQL Server version you run, open SQL Server Configuration Manager:
Version 12.3.6024.0 is SQL Server 2014, which matches folder 120. Prefer the latest DacFx anyway.
Next Steps
Related Topics
- SqlPackageParams
- SqlServer
- LogDatabaseRecovery
- Logging Service
- Log Databases
- Database Migration Planning
- SQL Server Options
- System Parameters
Note
Nodinite v6 and its Install and Update Tool are no longer supported.