Attach SQL Server 2005 express to Visual Basic 2010 express

Question

Using the database explorer in Visual Basic 2010 you only have the three data sources

Microsoft Access Database File, Mirosoft SQL Server Compact 3.5, and Microsoft SQL Server Database File.

How do you add the Microsoft SQL Server to this list so I can select a database from the SQL Server 2005 express local server?

Answer 1

This forum supports .NET Framework installation and setup.

For best answers to your VB Express configuration question, I suggest you ask here:

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/Vsexpressvb/threads 

Answer 2

Hi Oregonpass,

Welcome to the MSDN forum.

You can add a local database through adding the Microsoft SQL Server Database File. You can try these: Choose “Microsoft SQL Server Database File” in Data source>>Continue>>Browse to the SQL Server File location and choose the way of authentication>>Test Connection>>OK.

If you have any other problems, please feel free to let me know.

Best Regards,

---

Alexander Sun [MSFT]
MSDN Community Support | Feedback to us

Answer 3

Hi OregonPass, I have done a comparison between VB 2010 Express and VS 2010 Professional and it seems that the Express version does not have the "Microsoft SQL Server" item, but VS 2010 Professional has it.

I believe this is one of the limitations that exists in Express editions.

Answer 4

Hi Systemx,

If that is the case why did Microsoft include "Microsoft SQL Sever" in the Visual Studio 2010 Express Web package and not the Visual Basic 2010 Express package?

Answer 5

Hi Oregonpass, please have a look at this link: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/8czxd086.aspx. If you have a look at the table, you will see "Remote SQL Server Connections" at the very bottom. It states that only VS 2010 Express Web Developer supports remote sql connections whereas the other Express editions do not, therefore you are able to see "Microsoft SQL Server" in the wizard. You will need to add the database file manually as advised by Alexander Sun.

Below are some links that have been posted by other users regarding your question as well for your reference. I hope this helps.

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/Vsexpressvb/thread/68276aae-cd43-4714-af68-ffe9c7252e06
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en/sqldataaccess/thread/579e6f0e-23ab-4463-9182-2f4b53d5fd71
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/vbgeneral/thread/c48490c8-0b89-4593-8c89-05f893bc5374