How would you setup backend database?

Question

Hello,

 

I have to place a backend database on a network drive for multiple users. I want to build the frontend app in C# and have the users connect to the backend database.

 

I prefer to not use MS Access to prevent corruption, although I've used it for developing databases for years without issue by splitting the frontend and backends.

 

SQLlite isn't a valid option due to locking that happens with it, multiple users will be editing the database, not necassarily the same record, but my understanding SQLlite locks for any writing that happens.

 

My next thought is SQL Server Express which allows 4GB of data, I think that would be enough. I can't install SQL Server on the network, it is just a drive that holds files and nothing more.

 

If SQL Server Express is installed on the users machines and they access the database file on the network drive, will everything work as it should?

 

What are you recommendations? I have no choice but to use one database file on a network drive as a shared file.