Volatile parent key

I get this message every time i start Server Management Studio Express CTP, i have lates download ie 11/11/2005 V2.

Can not create a stable subkey under volatile parent key.

I click continue and Server Management Studio Express CTP seem to start OK.

Can you help with this.

Answer this question

Volatile parent key

wien
I get the same error and hope someone can answer this. I just finished installing it.
aberazioon
Hi Steven,

I think there's something wrong with the HKCU\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\90 key. If I rename it to 90.abc or something, a new 90 key is created which is fine. The error then goes away.

When I try to add something to the original key with registry editor, I get 'Error writing to the registry'. When I create my own key (not volatile by definition), everything works fine. I guess it shouldn't have been made volatile by the app in the first place.

I also hope this workaround helps other people who were driven crazy (as I was) by the recurring error dialog in management studio.

Cheers,

Maarten.
Marki
"The Registry Editor cannot rename 90. Error while renaming key"

Thanks for trying. Any other ideas, or have you heard anymore on this error
sqlJohn
I had the same problem fresh after installing SQL Server Management I loaded it and got that annoying Volatile parent key message with no other option but to continue. It simultaneously killed VS2005 which was running. After some trial and error and flying by the seat of my pants I managed to get it working:

(Don't DO THIS!)
---------------------
I made a backup of HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MSSQL Server\90 and deleted the entire key. I then re-launched SSM and there was no error other than the fact that my SQLEXPRESS wouldn't restart. SO I then re-imported the backup and SQLExpress worked fine again

DO THIS
-------------
1)Stop SQL Express Services
2)Browse to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\90 back it up (File Export), 3)Delete the 90 Key
4)Restart SQLEXPRESS
5)Launch SSM and now everything should work
6) My 90 key was recreated with the proper registry information
rgwerder
I am having this same problem. Anyone solve it yet
guotuofeng

When I start the management studio I get the error. Ive tried uninstalling and reinstalling .Net 2.0 framework. Ive tried reinstalling the management studio, but the error won't go away. I can't seem to find any "good" information on this on the net.

(Stacktrace from details can be found at the end of this message.)

Ignoring the initial exception the studio starts. I connect to the sql2005 service and thing seems fine. I can browse databases, create users, tables, modyfy things, etc... Byt when I do "New query" I get an errormessage (3 or 4 times if I keep ignoring them):

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
Unexpected error encountered. It is recommended that you restart the application as soon as possible.
Error: Cannot create stable subkey under a volatile parent key.
File: vsee/lib/ckey.cpp
Line number: 337

Ignoring these, I get the Query window. If I then hit File->open the management studio crashes and gives me SQLWB has encountered a problem and will be closed dialogue. (I have sent the error report).

I tried uninstalling the studio and installing the ctp express edition. It gives the same message when starting, but it does not fail once started. I reinstalled the full management studio again, but to no use. (The main installation order on my machine has been: Visual Studio 2005 w/sql2005 express, Source Safe 2005, SQLServer 2005 - all from MSDN subscription packages)

[added] I have tried deleting the registry key, but then the management studio and both sqlexpress and the sqlserver fails to start.

Please help!

//LTB

---------------------------

Stacktrace from the "initial" error:

See the end of this message for details on invoking
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
System.IO.IOException: Cannot create a stable subkey under a volatile parent key.

   at Microsoft.Win32.RegistryKey.Win32Error(Int32 errorCode, String str)
   at Microsoft.Win32.RegistryKey.CreateSubKey(String subkey, RegistryKeyPermissionCheck permissionCheck, RegistrySecurity registrySecurity)
   at Microsoft.Win32.RegistryKey.CreateSubKey(String subkey)
   at Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.UI.ConnectionDlg.RegisteredServersUtils.CreateKeyValueIfNotExist(String regPath, String keyName)
   at Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.UI.ConnectionDlg.RegisteredServersUtils.RegisterLocalInstancesIfFirstTimeUser()
   at Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.UI.ConnectionDlg.ConnectionDialog.OnLoad(EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnCreateControl()
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl(Boolean fIgnoreVisible)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl()
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmShowWindow(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WmShowWindow(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)

************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
AppIDPackage
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/AppIDPackage.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlTools.VSIntegration
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlTools.VSIntegration.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop
    Assembly Version: 7.1.40304.0
    Win32 Version: 7.0.4054
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop/7.1.40304.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualStudio.OLE.Interop
    Assembly Version: 7.1.40304.0
    Win32 Version: 7.0.4054
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.VisualStudio.OLE.Interop/7.1.40304.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualStudio.OLE.Interop.dll
----------------------------------------
System
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlTDiagM
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlTDiagM/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlTDiagM.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DataWarehouse.SQM
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.DataWarehouse.SQM.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi.dll
----------------------------------------
ObjectExplorer
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/ObjectExplorer.DLL
----------------------------------------
ConnectionDlg
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/ConnectionDlg.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.RegSvrEnum
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.RegSvrEnum/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.RegSvrEnum.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.CustomControls
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.CustomControls/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.CustomControls.dll
----------------------------------------
SqlWorkbench.Interfaces
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/SqlWorkbench.Interfaces.DLL
----------------------------------------
Accessibility
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Accessibility/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Accessibility.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualStudio.TextManager.Interop
    Assembly Version: 7.1.40304.0
    Win32 Version: 7.0.4054
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.VisualStudio.TextManager.Interop/7.1.40304.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualStudio.TextManager.Interop.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Data
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.Data/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Data.dll
----------------------------------------
SqlMgmt
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/SqlMgmt.DLL
----------------------------------------
SQLEditors
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/SQLEditors.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo.dll
----------------------------------------
EnvDTE
    Assembly Version: 8.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 8.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/EnvDTE/8.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/EnvDTE.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlEnum
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlEnum/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlEnum.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.NetEnterpriseServers.ExceptionMessageBox
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.NetEnterpriseServers.ExceptionMessageBox/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.NetEnterpriseServers.ExceptionMessageBox.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------

************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:

<configuration>
    <system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.
Barbara S
Hi mgloriosus,

To rename the old key: right-click the original key ('folder' icon, left-hand pane) and choose Rename. Or left-click it and press F2 - same effect.

To make a new key: right click the parent (so, in this case, Microsoft SQL Server) and choose New->Key from the popup menu.

The right-hand pane, where you were modifying stuff, is for the values (keys/values in the registry are similar to folders/files on disk).

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Maarten.
Andy Wilkinson

I haven't heard of this one. I'll need a little more information to investigate this.

Do you have any other Microsoft SQL Server or Visual Studio applications or components installed on the machined Which components Which versions

Do you see a "Show Technical Details" button at the bottom of the exception message box If it is, the call stack information that is displayed when you do click it would be really helpful diagnosing this.
Andy Sloan
Thanks. It worked !
T.J. Glazier
Thanks Chris, that will help narrow this down quite a bit. I have a few more questions:

Are you logging in to Windows as a normal (low-privileged) user, or do you have elevated privileges by being a member of Administrators or Power Users

Did you install Management Studio when logged in as the same user you are running as now

Did this machine have SQL Server 2000 tools installed on it before you installed Management Studio If so, had you registered servers in SQL Enterprise Manager
shaun neal
Hi,

Have you found an answer to this problem I get the unexception error and it states that the "input string was not in correct format". This is the details of the error:

See the end of this message for details on invoking
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
System.FormatException: Input string was not in a correct format.
at System.Number.StringToNumber(String str, NumberStyles options, NumberBuffer& number, NumberFormatInfo info, Boolean parseDecimal)
at System.Number.ParseInt32(String s, NumberStyles style, NumberFormatInfo info)
at Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.UI.ConnectionDlg.LoginControl.InitFromLastUsedServerType()
at Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.UI.ConnectionDlg.ConnectionDialog.DoOneTimeInitialization()
at Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.UI.ConnectionDlg.ConnectionDialog.OnVisibleChanged(EventArgs e)
at Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.UI.VSIntegration.ShellConnectionDialog.OnVisibleChanged(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmShowWindow(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WmShowWindow(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)

************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
AppIDPackage
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/AppIDPackage.DLL
----------------------------------------
System
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlTools.VSIntegration
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlTools.VSIntegration.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop
Assembly Version: 7.1.40304.0
Win32 Version: 7.0.4054
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop/7.1.40304.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualStudio.OLE.Interop
Assembly Version: 7.1.40304.0
Win32 Version: 7.0.4054
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.VisualStudio.OLE.Interop/7.1.40304.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualStudio.OLE.Interop.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlTDiagM
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlTDiagM/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlTDiagM.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DataWarehouse.SQM
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.DataWarehouse.SQM.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi.dll
----------------------------------------
ObjectExplorer
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/ObjectExplorer.DLL
----------------------------------------
ConnectionDlg
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/ConnectionDlg.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.CustomControls
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.CustomControls/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.CustomControls.dll
----------------------------------------
SqlWorkbench.Interfaces
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/SqlWorkbench.Interfaces.DLL
----------------------------------------
Accessibility
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Accessibility/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Accessibility.dll
----------------------------------------
SqlMgmt
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/SqlMgmt.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.RegSvrEnum
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.RegSvrEnum/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.RegSvrEnum.dll
----------------------------------------
EnvDTE
Assembly Version: 8.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 8.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/EnvDTE/8.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/EnvDTE.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.NetEnterpriseServers.ExceptionMessageBox
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.NetEnterpriseServers.ExceptionMessageBox/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.NetEnterpriseServers.ExceptionMessageBox.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Data
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.Data/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Data.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo
Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo.dll
----------------------------------------

************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:

<configuration>
<system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.
davros51
I've filed a defect report for this problem. I'll update it with any additional information. Thanks for taking the time to report this problem.
Caroline_C&#35;
I don't know much about how the registry editor works. Can you be a little more detailed Here's what I tried:
1. Open registry editor by running regedit at the run command line
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\90
3. In the right hand panel, there is a table with 3 columns: Name, Type, and Data
4. I right click on the name, choose Modify, and make the new value 90.abc
Is that right It didn't seem to help the problem. How do I create my own key
ScoobyBlue
I get the following details. Sorry it is so long hope it helps.

See the end of this message for details on invoking
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
System.IO.IOException: Cannot create a stable subkey under a volatile parent key.

   at Microsoft.Win32.RegistryKey.Win32Error(Int32 errorCode, String str)
   at Microsoft.Win32.RegistryKey.CreateSubKey(String subkey, RegistryKeyPermissionCheck permissionCheck, RegistrySecurity registrySecurity)
   at Microsoft.Win32.RegistryKey.CreateSubKey(String subkey)
   at Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.UI.ConnectionDlg.RegisteredServersUtils.CreateKeyValueIfNotExist(String regPath, String keyName)
   at Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.UI.ConnectionDlg.RegisteredServersUtils.RegisterLocalInstancesIfFirstTimeUser()
   at Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.UI.ConnectionDlg.ConnectionDialog.OnLoad(EventArgs e)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnCreateControl()
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl(Boolean fIgnoreVisible)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl()
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmShowWindow(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WmShowWindow(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
   at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)

************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.AppIDPackage
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.AppIDPackage.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.VSIntegration
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.VSIntegration.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop
    Assembly Version: 7.1.40304.0
    Win32 Version: 7.0.4054
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop/7.1.40304.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualStudio.OLE.Interop
    Assembly Version: 7.1.40304.0
    Win32 Version: 7.0.4054
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.VisualStudio.OLE.Interop/7.1.40304.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualStudio.OLE.Interop.dll
----------------------------------------
System
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.SqlTDiagM
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.SqlTDiagM.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DataWarehouse.SQM
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.DataWarehouse.SQM.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi/9.0.242.0__89845dcd8080cc91/Microsoft.SqlServer.Instapi.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.ObjectExplorer
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.ObjectExplorer.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.ConnectionDlg
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.ConnectionDlg.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.RegSvrEnum
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.RegSvrEnum.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.CustomControls
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.CustomControls.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.SqlWorkbench.Interfaces
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.SqlWorkbench.Interfaces.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualStudio.TextManager.Interop
    Assembly Version: 7.1.40304.0
    Win32 Version: 7.0.4054
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.VisualStudio.TextManager.Interop/7.1.40304.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualStudio.TextManager.Interop.dll
----------------------------------------
Accessibility
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Accessibility/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Accessibility.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Data
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_32/System.Data/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Data.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.SqlMgmt
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.SqlMgmt.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.SQLEditors
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.SQLEditors.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.ConnectionInfo
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.ConnectionInfo.DLL
----------------------------------------
EnvDTE
    Assembly Version: 8.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 8.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC/EnvDTE/8.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/EnvDTE.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.SqlEnum
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.SqlEnum.DLL
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.NetEnterpriseServers.Express.ExceptionMessageBox
    Assembly Version: 9.0.242.0
    Win32 Version: 9.00.1399.00
    CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Microsoft%20SQL%20Server/90/Tools/Binn/VSShell/Common7/IDE/Microsoft.NetEnterpriseServers.Express.ExceptionMessageBox.DLL
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
    Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
    Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.42 (RTM.050727-4200)
    CodeBase: file:///C:/WINDOWS/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------

************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:

<configuration>
    <system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.
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