Unable to add SQL Data Files

[Brian Piesik]

I'm trying to add a new SQL Database to my window form application
through Add New Item. I then receive the message box with this error
message:

"Connections to SQL Server files (*.mdf) require SQL Server Express
2005 to function properly. Please verify the installation of the
component or download from the URL:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=49251"

I have SQL Server Express installed. I installed it with the Visual
Studio 2005 installed and connect to it with no problems using Microsoft
SQL Server Management Studio. So I know that is working properly.

Thanks in Advanced.

Brian Piesik

[Jeffrey Tan[MSFT]]

Hi Brian,

Thanks for your post.

Some other customer has submit a similiar issue, please refer to the link
below for troubleshooting steps:
"Bug Details: Error double clicking .mdf files or Adding a SQL Database
Item to project. (Connections to SQL Server files (*.mdf) require SQL
Server Express)"
http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/ProductFeedback/viewFeedback.aspx?feedbackid=1
dcb12f3-a401-4269-9845-4d71d90722c5

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
Jeffrey Tan
Microsoft Online Partner Support
Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security
This posting is provided "as is" with no warranties and confers no rights.

[Brian Piesik]

Thanks Jeffrey, the problem turned out to be a problem in Visual Studio
with an incorrect setting.

What I did was go into Tools, Options, Database Tools, Data Connections.

Under SQL Server Instance Name (blank for default) i had the following
in there: MyComputerName\SQLEXPRESS

I changed it to the following: SQLEXPRESS

I also tested it just leaving it blank and working too.

Of course I would love to say a favorite end user quote "I never changed
it", but I'm too geeky to know that.

Happy Coding!

Brian Piesik

[Jeffrey Tan[MSFT]]

Hi Brian,

I am glad you finally resolved this problem. I am not sure why your default
setting is MyComputerName\SQLEXPRESS, my VS2005 IDE's default setting is
"SQLEXPRESS".

Anyway, if you need further help, please feel free to post. Thanks

[Soheil]

Hi Brian and Jeffrey. I have to say that my Visual Studio Express 2005
instance name - text box was empty.

I changed it to SQLEXPRESS and its working fine now. I can add a database to
the project.

I was amost going to buy the C# Book with the Visual Studio 2005
Professional trial (180 Days).

thanks Soheil