"Sql Server" Data Source is missing in VS C# 2005 Express

Hi All,

I need create a connection to live Sql Server. Alas, in VS C# Express in the data source list I see only "Access File" and "Sql Server Db File". Is it how it is supposed to be Second option allows only to connect to offline mdf file, not what I need.

It is especially strange, considering that in VS WebDev Express I see "Sql Server" option (together with those two I can see in C# Express).

Initially I thought it was because when I installed VS C# for the first time, I installed it without Sql Server. But now I reinstalled it, and Data Source is still not there. Please advise.

Sincerely Yours,
Kosta.

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"Sql Server" Data Source is missing in VS C# 2005 Express

Sean D
Hello Kosta,

Express editions have design support for local data only (.mdf and .mdb files).

The version/feature matrix is located here:
http://lab.msdn.microsoft.com/vs2005/productinfo/productline/default.aspx

hope that helps
TerryMcP
Thanks, it makes some sense... but a number of questions remains.

From the matrix it seems like C# Express allows only "local" access, when WebDev Express allows both "local and remote". It is still not clear what exactly "local" mean, since I don't see the way to connect to the local instance of Sql Server either.

Also, it is not clear then why am I need to have running instance of Sql Server Express at all (as it was configured by the installation), if I can't connect to it.
ajbj
I personally do not need more than Access or SQL, but I think the limitation is little annoying. I can apprepiate that these are "Express" versions provided for free, but I could have a number of database types installed locally, ie:

MS Excel
Oracle
MySQL
Etc.

Also, I find the "local vs Remote" issue between the Web Developer and C#/VB.NET Express a little concerning also.
PeepingTom1000
While VS C# 2005 allows conections to only Access Databse and SQL Server Databse File locally, Visual Web Developer 2005 allows connections to the following data sources: Access Databse, SQL Server, SQL Server Database File, Oracle, and <other>. SQL Server also allows connections to local and remote instances on the network.

Why is this limitation on VS C# 2005 . if there is a way to connect to other data sources from the server explorer, please let me know.

Thanks
"Sql Server" Data Source is missing in VS C# 2005 Express

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