SQL 2008 database issue

[shakti5385]

Hello friends,
I just installed sql 2008 express edition at my PC, but I am not able to view database after connection.
Please find attach image for more detail.

Thanks
Shakti

[techgnome]

Um, that's because there are no databases.... you need to create one first... Right-click the Databases node and select "Create Database" and go from there....

-tg

[jmcilhinney]

If you're implying that you have created a project in Visual Studio and added a database to that then it won't show up in Management Studio because it's not attached to the server. Database files that you add to VS projects directly are only attached when you run your project and they are, by default, attached to an isolated user instance, not the main instance.

It's also worth noting that you say that you just installed SQL Server 2008 Express and yet the screen shot you posted shows you connected to what appears to be an instance of SQL Server 2005. If you don't connect to the right instance then you won't see the databases attached to that instance.

[vandoren]

sorry for bump up an old post,
but i have some question regarding create database in SQL Server 2008 Express.

how do i specify a location for database created?
does it has function like sql server, create database with sql?

[jmcilhinney]

sorry for bump up an old post,
but i have some question regarding create database in SQL Server 2008 Express.

how do i specify a location for database created?
does it has function like sql server, create database with sql?

You have two choices with SQL Server Express:

1. Create the database exactly as you would for SQL Server, i.e. build the original in Management Studio and then either deploy a backup and restore it on the target or else build it on the target from scratch using SQL DDL scripts.

2. Add the database to your project in VS and build the schema in VS. The database file is attached on-demand, both while debugging and after deployment. As such, you simply deploy a copy of your MDF file alnog with your app. The build process creates the copy for you and places it in the output folder, along with your EXE.