Monday, March 19, 2012

Cannot Open / Create SQL Express Databases (.mdf files) in Visual Studio 2005 Professional

Hi, I am trying to open or create a sqlexpress database within Visual Studio 2005 Professional in the App_Data folder. If I attempt either method, I get the following dialog box:

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

The link above just takes you to the download page for Sql Server Express 2005.

I have both SQL Server 2005 Developer and SQL Server 2005 Expression instances running. The existing database will work properly in my web application, however I cannot access it through Visual Studio.

As background, I did have a problem connecting to the database via the web application, receiving a "Failed to generate a User Instance of SQL Server" error. But I was able to fix that by renaming my SQLEXPRESS folder in C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server Data. When the web page ran, it created another SQLEXPRESS folder.

However, I cannot figure out why I am having the other issue.

Thanks in advance

Patrick


Hi,

This error means that you are not pointing to the correct instance.

Right click the mdf database > Modify Connection > Advanced > Data Source string.

Check this string and see if it points to the correct instance

HTH,
Suprotim Agarwal

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