SQL Express and app_offline.htm

We're using SQL express because it is free, and allows for use of .mdf files (which can easily be moved with a project). I've had problems though with locks existing on files on the server, and being unable to copy down a database from the server (for local viewing).

app_offline.htm is created when you publish from visual studio, and if it exists the website will show a temporary placeholder page. I hadn't realized until I just discovered it, that putting the file on a server, frees locks, as well as shutting down the application.

This allows taking down a site even when you don't have access to IIS settings. Freeing the lock on .mdf files is great too.

Of course you've got to remove the file for the site to work again.