jrattinger
asked on
How to connect to SQL Server Express from Visual Studio 2008
Hi,
I have the following setup, Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, Sql Server 2008, Sql Server Express 2008. I have created a test database in Sql Sserver Express, but I cannot see it in visual studio. From Visual studio, I have tried to add a new connection with the server explorer, but sqlserver express, or my database never show up in the data source or database drop-down lists.
Is that something that i need to do in sql server express to endable VS to see the connection? I have "registered" the database, but that didn't seem to do anything.
Any pointers would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John
I have the following setup, Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008, Sql Server 2008, Sql Server Express 2008. I have created a test database in Sql Sserver Express, but I cannot see it in visual studio. From Visual studio, I have tried to add a new connection with the server explorer, but sqlserver express, or my database never show up in the data source or database drop-down lists.
Is that something that i need to do in sql server express to endable VS to see the connection? I have "registered" the database, but that didn't seem to do anything.
Any pointers would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John
Is the database server running? You can check by going to Admin tools -> Services and if its running then checking if a serviced with a name similar to Sql Server 2008 Express should be running. Sql Browser should also be running. If not already installed, I would install Visual Studio 2008 Service Pack 1, its known to fix a few issues related to sql server 2008. Also, can you connect to Sql server through Management Studio, if not then you are not likley to be able to connect from anywhere else.
ASKER
thank for the response.
Yes the database is running. I actually created a new database and table via management studio.
When I try to create a new data connection from VS, sql server express doesn't show up in the data source list. I only see "Microsoft Sql Server", "Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5" and "Microsoft SQL Server Database File".
Maybe I'll try the VS service pack tomorrow. I don't know what else to do. It seems like sql server express doesn't even exist to VS.
Yes the database is running. I actually created a new database and table via management studio.
When I try to create a new data connection from VS, sql server express doesn't show up in the data source list. I only see "Microsoft Sql Server", "Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5" and "Microsoft SQL Server Database File".
Maybe I'll try the VS service pack tomorrow. I don't know what else to do. It seems like sql server express doesn't even exist to VS.
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ASKER
That Worked! Thank you sooooo much.