[RESOLVED] Add Data Source

[StuntMonkeh]

I have a program on my machine that uses a local SQL Express 2005 database to store information in when the program is running.

I want to use some data within said database in my program but for the life of me I cannot seem to get started by adding it as a new data source using the add data source wizard... If I type in the database name it throws an error that it cannot find the database, although I can quite clearly see it using the SQL Express 2005 SQL Server Management Tool.

[mickey_pt]

You can't connect to your database in the IDE?

1. Menu Data, Add New Data Source
2. Select Database
3. New Connection
4. The Data Source must be Microsoft SQL Server (SqlClient) if not change it
5. Server Name just copy the string that you use in the SSMS

And put the credentials if you need them and then test and add.

[StuntMonkeh]

In SSMS the connection is as follows:

Server Type: Database Engine
Server Name: LAPTOP13-PC
Authentication: Windows Authentication

The database is in the database folder and is called 'i123'


In the VB IDE I have put the following info.

Data Source:
Microsoft SQL Server Database File (SqlClient)

Database file name (new or existing):
LAPTOP13-PC

Use Windows Authentication

When I click 'Test Connection', I get the following error 'The connection cannot be tested because the specified database does not exist'

[mickey_pt]

There must be something wrong...

Try to connect to the Master database instead, and see if it connects.

[StuntMonkeh]

Is it because the VB IDE is looking for a database file and not a server?

[mickey_pt]

You're a doing something wrong...

The database it's i386 and the server name it's LAPTOP13-PC.

Look at the picture:

[StuntMonkeh]

I think I have found the problem but not the solution. I do not get the same form, I can only select 'Microsoft SQL Server Database File (SqlClient)'. 'File' being the key but unfortunately just 'Microsoft SQL Server (SqlClient) is not in the list of options. Why is it not an option and how do I enable it?

[StuntMonkeh]

Cannot be done in VB Express using the GUI, but it can be coded. I successfully followed this tutorial and the one after it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZu-p...eature=related

Hope that helps someone if they stumble upon this.