Visual C# Express Edition Beta 2 + SQL Server Express Beta 2

Hello everybody,

after clearing alot of install probs with SQLServer (April CTP) I am running
into a new problem. Beta 1 let me add a Connection with "Server\Instance, Catalog"

The "Add Connection" Dialog offers me two possibilities:
1) Microsoft Access Database File (OLE DB)
2) Microsoft SQL Server Database File (SqlClient)

2 only lets me connect via a physical file (else OK is greyed).

Documentation "Microsoft Visual Studio Express Edition 2005" says sth. about
Server Explorer, which I definatley cannot see in my IDE.
Are there some data providers missing and if, how can I add them.

Thanks alot in advance,

Regards,
Peter

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Visual C# Express Edition Beta 2 + SQL Server Express Beta 2

TechFreak
Peter -

To simplify the ways in which you need to connect up to databases, the Express products are now based on connecting to a local database file. This means that you do not provide the server\instance, but instead connect directly to a database file, or create a new database file. This will still connect you to the database, and a connection string willl still be created which maps to this connection.

There is still a version of the Server Explorer in Express, but it is now called Database Explorer, since its server functionality is not in Express. You can use this to interact with the databases you are connected to.

Thanks,
Luke Hoban
Visual C# IDE Program Manager
ComputerGuru
Luke,

Thanks alot for your answer.

It was strange for me that the SQL Server itself allows everything, but the IDE wants a file.

But still confusing for me is: I have to point on a file, but in advanced configuration there are settings for server\instance ... well, it works so I am fine with it :-)

My Beta1 generated code still works with Beta2 so I haven't tried getting stuff via Database Explorer.

BTW, the IDE is a great piece of software, it's handy and easy to work with. Keep on doing good software. Only thing missing, obfuscation :-)

Regards, Peter
dlt
I am having similar problem with VSCSE and not with VWD.

In VWD, I can connect to a server.
In VSCSE, I must attach a file.

This defeats one of the purposes of a database (i.e., that it is a shared resource, not intended to be a "captive" of a single application).

Or am I missing something here
Visual C# Express Edition Beta 2 + SQL Server Express Beta 2

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