Can't add database to projects

http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=497273&SiteID=1

I have gone through the above and, while I can connect to the sql server and activate connections, I can not add a sql database to a project.

Open a project
Right click - add new item
Choose sql database

or

Add existing item
choose existing sql database

results in:

"Connections to SQL server files (*.mdf) require sql server express 2005 to function properly blah blah blah"

Like I said, I can connect to the DB through the server explorer and view table definitions and data. I just can't add one to a solution. I have reinstalled sqlexpress already and am trying to avoid having to reinstall visual studio.

OK, is the SQL Express service started properly ? If you are not sure, have a look in the Service manager. User Instance can be only attached to SQLExpress instances. There is sure an option to also do that in SQL Server > Express editions, but that should not be turned on. if you are not sure why the connection can′t take place navigate through Tools > Options > Database Tools > Database connections. You will need to make sure that the right instance name is mentioned here, otherwise SQL Server won′t find the instance for attaching the database as a user instance. If the entry in here is right you will have to see if the SQL Browser is started. This service will act like a redirector for user requests and will redirect the user to the right port of the requested instance. If you don′t want SQL Browser running on your computer, you will have to put the portnumber after the instanceName like in the syntax InstanceName,portnumber.

HTH, Jens Suessmeyer.

http://www.sqlserver2005.de

|||Sorry for the delay.

I have reviewed and confirmed your suggestions. I have also uninstalled sql express and installed it again without using the advanced install.

Once again, I can connect to the database from the server window in the IDE (VS 2005), but I cannot add a new or existing database to any projects.

I thought perhaps it would have been permissions so I granted network service full rights to my project folder without success.

At this point, I'm starting to think that re-installing Visual Studio is going to end up being the solution. I hate that idea.

Any help?