Connections to SQL Server Files (*.mdf) require SQL Server Express 2005

Question

When ever I click on an MDF file in VS2005 I get the following message.

Required Components Missing.

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 think this may have been due to the install order and options I selected.

1. VS2005 Pro, without SQL Server Express 2005 as I was planning to install SQL2005 Developer.
2. SQL2005 Developer.

I then noticed the above problem and installed SQL Server Express 2005 from the VS Pro DVD.  I still have the problem. 

Any ideas how I can fix this ?

Answer 1

I am getting this same error.  I've uninstalled VS 2005, and reinstalled, and I still get the same error. 

Answer 2

Has any of you been able to get this issue fixed, i see no answers to the question

Answer 3

Hi,

 

I ran into the same/similar problem today (with Visual Studio 2005 Standard and SQL Server 2005 Standard) when I tried to add a new SQL Database item (.mdf). After spending most of the morning and part of the afternoon I sorted it out…

 

1. I installed SQL Server Express 2005 off the VS CDs by going to Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel and clicking the Change/Remove button for VS.  A “Maintenance Mode” window appears – click next button, then Add/Remove Features, then check the SQL Server Express checkbox and click the update button and follow any further prompts from there.  Once the installation is complete, reboot.
2. At this point my next attempt to create an .mdf generated another error (see #3 below).  If you still get the original error at this point I would speculate that you may need to reinstall VS and ensure that SQL Server Express is installed along with all the other IDE components.  If you need to do this it may be a good idea to back up your project folders.
3. The next error I saw was “Failed to generate a user instance of SQL Server due to a failure in starting the process for the user instance...”.  If you have never installed a version of SQL Server Express on your machine before (I had installed a beta version previously) I expect you wouldn’t run into this issue.  I was lucky enough to spot the following post > http://www.sqljunkies.com/WebLog/ktegels/archive/2005/11/15/17401.aspx < (which summarises a MSDN post on the same topic which goes into more detail).  If you need to use this fix make sure you backup the directory before deleting it…
4. I then tried again to create an .mdf and it worked!!!  Unfortunately things quickly turned sour again… once I created a table with a couple columns I got a timeout when I tried to save the table (“Errors were encountered during the save process.  Some database objects were not saved. Timeout expired…”).  I then happened to notice in SQL Server Configuration Manager that the SQLEXPRESS SQL Server service showed “NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService” under “Log On As” while MSSQLSERVER (the SQL Standard Edition service) showed LocalSystem.  Right click on the SQLEXPRESS service, click Properties and then select Local System from the built-in account dropdown.  Please note that in your situation using this account may not be an option due to security and/or network connectivity.  I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about the details of these different accounts - I’m using VS/SQL2005 for learning purposes on my home machine…  After this change I was able to start up VS again and recreate and save my table structure.

 

Hopefully the things I tried may work for you too and help you get back to developing!

Answer 4

thanks much appreciated

Answer 5

I had the same issue. My environment was that I had SQL Server 2005 Standard installed already. In this case, SQL Server Express installed itself under the instance SQLEXPRESS. I fixed things by going to Tools -> Options -> Database Tools -> Data Connections, and changing "SQL Server Instance Name (blank for default)" to SQLEXPRESS. That worked for me.

Cliffe

Answer 6

Cliff's point is important point.  If you install SSE after you install VS, VS may not be pointed at the right instance of SQL Server.   The local data functionality (so you can copy around MDFs like MDBs) is associated exclusively with SSE. 

It's possible to give an SSE instance a different name than "SQLExpress".  Hence, the ability as Cliff notes to change it. 

Answer 7

i have sse installed after vs so after I changed the instance name in vs db options, it worked.

 

Thank you,

Answer 8

I have similar problem... I changed database instance to point to SQL 2005 Pro, but it didn't help.

I still don't get it, why do I need SQL express when I have SQL Pro? MS claims Express is a lightweight version of a full SQL Server. Apperently it is not, and has some functionality that SQL Pro doesn't have, is it true?

The other thing I don't like that MS forces you to buy MSDN subcription if you need Team Edition.

Answer 9

>> I still don't get it, why do I need SQL express.  ...  Apperently it is not, and has some functionality that SQL Pro doesn't have, is it true?

Sort of.  In particular, SSE has a number of options turned on that are typically not on in higher versions of SQL Server.  You could turn them on but wouldn't want to if you are using SQL Server as a general server, not a local database store.  In addition, there is some behavior that is unique to SSE that is particular to the way local database stores are used.  But, to be quite clear, it is exactly the same .exe.

 

 

 

Answer 10

Mine says "SQLExpress", yet it doesn't work... what's up with that?
Thanks,
h.

Answer 11

I have VS2005 developer and then installed SQL2005 developer. Can someone tell me what I would need to change to make VS2005 'talk' to SQL2005 please? I went by with what Cliff had couple of posts up and removed the SQLexpress from the instance name, i went with the default namespace when installing SQL 2005. But leaving this field blank is not fixing this problem.

Is there any way that I can find out what the namespace field should be?

Answer 12

You mentioned that you left it blank where it used to say SQLEXPRESS

 

you need to put in the name of your Sql Server instance name you cant leave it blank,  I dont have VS and SQL on this machine i  will log on to Vista and check

 

i think the default instance name is something like MSSQLSERVER others can correct me if im wrong. 

Answer 13

I went with the blank field because it says in the options field to leave it blank for the default sql server instance, which is what i installed it as. I even tried the MSSQLSERVER named instance, but that didnt work.

Anyone have any experience with this?

 

Answer 14

Here  I mean same problem.

I installed sql server standard, sql express, vs2005.

I point vs tool-confog-db connect to SQLEXPRESS, - my local db instance.

I even can new a mdf under project, this time it will not alert "sql sever express not function properly".

and I also can open teacher.mdf. - a local atatched db file from sql express startkit page's sample.

(ps. I also tried copy teacher.mdf to my sql server data dir and attach it, then change setting.set).

but after the app window launch,  it still has no data bind.

by Jonathan

Answer 15

SOLUTION

Here is what i learned and how i fixed the above issue.

+ Turns out that you have to be the ADMIN on the local machine

+ I got a new machine

+ It worked, because I was the ADMIN on the new machine

So what happened? The IDE uses my windows creds. to connect to the DB, even if I think I'm going in as the sa account.

Lesson: If you are not Admin, then you are SOL.

Thanks,

h.

Answer 16

I am an admin on my local computer where SQL 05 Developer and VS 05 Prof sits. I am still having this issue. Its more a case of trying to bind data from the app_data folder as a sql db. i can create connections what not just fine without this tho.

Answer 17

update and fix the problem:

(1) my previous env: vs2005 w/o sql express,  sql2005 dev edition.  

(2) I download sql express and installed in same box.

(3) set vs2005 tool/option/database/connect = sqlexpress. it works now. at least for startkit samples download from sql express same page.   

(4) solution guess: A. sql express has diff feature with other sql server ver. and this can attached mdf file. 

B. so set vs2005 tool/option/database/conntect=MSSQLSERVER  dont works.

I just wonder why not ms samples not follow oracle,  provide a db creation schema script plus readme to enable course run, because in most case our box already installed a db there. 

 

Answer 18

That worked for me to. The SQL Server instance name was not correct.

Thanks a lot Cliffe

Morgann

Answer 19

All you need to do to "talk" to SQL 2005 developer is to use a normal remote style connection.   Don't use the local "User Instance" style connection.  So, for instance, bring up Server Explorer, create a connection to the instance of SQL Server that is running on your own box, and it will work.

Answer 20

This is the difference between SQL Server Express (SSE) and SQL Sever Developer and Standard and the rest.  With SSE, you can connect and use SSE as a non-admin.  However, you must treat the .MDF the same way you do a normal file you can access when you are a non-admin.  That is, it must be local (not on a admin controlled file access location).  SSE allows you to do this by spinning up a local instance of SQL Server in your instance.  For this type of access you must use a connection string that has "User Instance = true". 

 

If you are an admin, you can connect to the server style version of SSE on your box and any other version of SQL running on your box as well.  In this case, you are connecting with a traditional style connection string (e.g. user name, password).

Answer 21

I've been having the same problems as everybody else and I have been making the appropriate changes.  However, I installed SQL Svr Developer and my server name is MSSQLSERVER.  If I need to change it to SQLEXPRESS, how do I go about doing that?  I've looked for some type of properties in SQL Server Config tool, but unable to locate it.

I am new to .NET and SQL2005, so please bare with me.

Answer 22

The server name is designated during install.  However, I would not change a SQLDev or higher install's name to SQLExpress.  I don't think that's what you want.  SSE has slightly different behavior that allows for the attach behavior.  Most, but not all of that behavior is available in higher level SKUs.  But that behavior in higher level SKUs is turned off by default.  I just would not go down that path.

Answer 23

This thread touches on the problem but still doesn't have a clear solution.  Please help Lance.  I don't want SSE installed because I'll be forced to work with two versions of SQLServer in my MDE.  I like learning only one version as brain bandwith is limited.  So, I've got my SQLDev version running fine and showing up in the Server Explorer.  As you pointed out, the application works fine and connects perfectly to that server.  However, in the Solution Explorer, I'd like to add a database (A new SQLDev database; not a new SQLEXPRESS database (as SSE is not present)) so that the newly added database is in the project file scheme and maintained as part of the project rather than being disconnected and part of the file system associated with the SQLDev file system.  Can't I add a new database to the project file system when I am using SQLDev?  I keep getting the error: must install SSE!!!  Even when I set the Tools/Options/DB tools/Data connections to the named instance of SQLDev.  Why on earth would microsoft make a development environment cooperate with SSE but not a full version of SQL server?

Answer 24

Solution:

 

In visual studio 2005 go to tools

- Options

- Database tools

- Database connections

Check the sql server instance name ...

Make sure the sql server instance name matches what you provided when you did the installation. If not change it.(by default it takes SQLEXPRESS2005

 

CLICK OK

Answer 25

I'm running VS2005 Pro w/SQL Server Express. 

 

I've followed each of the recommendations above, but I'm still getting the error.  I can create a db via SQL Server Mgmt Studio and I can create a db using the Server Explorer, but I still cannot add a db from within the project without getting the "Connections to SQL Server files (*.mdf) require SQL Server Express 2005 to function properly" error. 

 

Any additional suggestions?

 

 

Answer 26

 

I had the same problem:

"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"

 

After trying out the various procedures described by various knowledgeable individuals who provided some very helpful information I was able to piece the following solution:

1.       Open the “Add or Remove Programs” from the control panel.

2.       Select  “Microsoft SQL Server 2005” or “…ServerExperss 2005” and click on the Change button

3.       On the “Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Maintenance” window you will see the

SQL Server 2005 instances:

<name>: Database Engine

4.       Copy the <name> of your database engine.

5.       Cancel  and get out of the “Microsoft SQL Server 2005” or “…ServerExperss 2005”

6.       Close the “Add or Remove Programs” window.

 

Open Microsoft Visual Studio

1.       Select Tools-Options-Database Tools-Data Connections

2.       Enter the <name> copied earlier into the “SQL Server Instance Name” field.

3.       Click OK

Hopefully this will help.

Answer 27

I have tried everything on this thread but still can't get it to work.

I had SSE before I installed the non express version.  I uninstalled everything related to SSE before I installed this new version.  I am able to connect and create everything using management studio... perplexed as to why this is happening.

Answer 28

I don't know if this issue was resolved for everyone, but I was trying to add an existing SQL database (developed by someone else) to a new web site project in Visual Studio and got the same error regarding missing components.  I am running Visual Studio Team System 2008 and SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition.

Under options, the SQL Server instance name was listed as SQLEXPRESS, bu the actual instance is named MSSQLSERVER.  I changed that and restarted Visual Studio, but it still didn't seem to be working.

Then, I noticed in Server Explorer that my database file was now listed under Data Connections.  I clicked on Modify Connections and then Advanced.  Under Data Source, it indicated that the source was " ./MSSQLSERVER".  There was also another entry marked simply ".".  I changed to that and tested my connection.  It worked!

I am not sure if my case is a special one, but I thought I would share my experience with everyone.  I hope it helps.

Answer 29

My apologies, but my previous post was wrong.  Although I did successfully test my connection, I didn't have access to the tables, etc. in the database.

However, I was on the right track.  I tried again by clicking on Modify Connection, but this time I changed the data source from Microsoft SQL Server Database File to Microsoft SQL Server, entered my server name (computer, not SQL), and finally selected my database from the dropdown menu.  I assume that if it was not listed, I could easily have attached a database file from the controls right below that.   This was successfuly and now I have access to all of the tables, etc. in the database.

Sorry for the mixup and I hope that this helps.

Answer 30

thank god microsoft

Answer 31

Hussain Noordin wrote:

SOLUTION Here is what i learned and how i fixed the above issue. + Turns out that you have to be the ADMIN on the local machine + I got a new machine + It worked, because I was the ADMIN on the new machine So what happened? The IDE uses my windows creds. to connect to the DB, even if I think I'm going in as the sa account. Lesson: If you are not Admin, then you are SOL. Thanks, h.

Answer 32

After  two days of banging my head and reading countless posts on this topic with no success I offer my solutions that seems to be working. I am using VS2008 PRo on WniXP with VS2005 Express as well as Standard installed. My solutions was the following:  

1. Create a SQLExpress database first in SQL Server Management Studio or Management Studio Express (doesn't matter) .

2. Stop your SQL Server (Express) service.

3. Open up VS and go to Tools > Options > DatabaseTools > DataCOnnections and make sure you have correct instance name. (Many of the previous posts tell you how to get that.) .

4. Next go to SOlution Explorer and right click where you want to add the .mdf and click on Add Existing Item.

5. Browse to where you have the .mdf file for the database created in step 1. and select it. You will get the same error everyone else is geting but you will see the file added to the project behind that. Just click OK on the dialog.

6. Now you can add a connection in Server Explorer.
    a. For the DataSource select SQL Server Database file.

    b. CLick on Advanced > Scroll down to User Instance and change it to False. CLick Ok
    c. click on Test Connection.

7. Click OK and whoala, new conenction.

Hope this helps all the lost souls out there like me.

 

---

Santiago Perez

Answer 33

I couldn't get my name for my server through the control panel. I got it by creating a new query in sql. I typed "Select @@ServerName", don't include the quotation marks. After I got the right name it worked.

Answer 34

I have the same issue on a x64 machine - VS 2008 SP1 SQL 2008 express, none of the above helped

this is so annoying, Microsoft ignoring its people

---

Shimmy

Answer 35

I have the same problem on windows vista x64 - vs 2008 sp1 and SQL 2005 express, here's how I resolved my problem:

1. In VS2008 goto Tools/Options/Database Tools/Data Connections
2. in the blank text box that says (SQL Sever Instance Name (blank for default), I Enter sql 2005 express instance name
like SQLEXPRESS then press OK button and problem is gone.

Answer 36

Hy magascy and thanks for your post.

I changed the instance name as you said, now I see following error:

"Failed to generate a user instance of SQL Server due to a failure in starting the process for the user instance. The connection will be closed."

I get the same error when logging in as admin.

---

Shimmy

Answer 37

Completing the instructions in the this page solved my problem.

Note that in vista, that folder is in C:\Users\Shimmy\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server Data

---

Shimmy

Answer 38

SUCCESS!

When I reinstalled SQL Express 2005, I got an error regarding the sqlexpress database name and had to provide a new one.  I called it sqlexpress5

From the CMD Screen:  SQLCmd -S.\sqlexpress    [I got back an error]

From the CMD Screen:  SQLCmd -S.\sqlexpress5    [SUCCESS!!!]

I then went into Visual Web Developer 2008, Tools Menu, Options (check the "Show all settings" box at the bottom), Database Tools, Data Connections and changed the SQL Server Instance Name to SQLEXPRESS5.

The next time I attempted to create a database in the web project - it was successful.

  - thanks for the "hint's"  Mike Wachal - MSFT. 

 (db)

---

huh??

Answer 39

this is RIDICULOUS! what's going on here? i know microsoft can do better than this!  i'm having the exact same problem (Connection to SQL Server files *.mdf...)! im running vs2008 pro w/ sql server 2008 express on a 64-bit machine running vista...will someone PLEASE tell me exactly what i need to do in order to add a database to my project.

Answer 40

No one is this thread seems to mention what OS they are running except d.allen.

There is a know issue with x86 VS and x64 express edition db server like 2008 for example.

Here is a thread on the matter..

https://connect.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/feedback/ViewFeedback.aspx?FeedbackID=361718&wa=wsignin1.0

and here is the KB article with hotfix..

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957944/


hope this helps