SQL EXPRESS Connection Problem

[smendoza]

ok, perhaps im using the incorrect terminology. here's what I did in Visual Studio, step by step.

1. Under Server Explorer, on Data Connections, I clicked "Add Connection".
2. I change Data Source to Microsoft SQL Server Database File.
3. I typed in my database name (dbTest) for Database file name.
4. Selected "Use Windows Authentication".
5. Test Connection failed, since it was a new database, so I clicked OK.
6. It then notified me that I was creating a NEW database.
7. Once database appeared in Server Explorer, I created right-clicked on :"Tables", and selected "Add new Table".

I have copied some data manually (copy/paste) into this table from EXCEL, and I can right-click the table, and can create Queries against it through Server Explorer, so it's clearly has data in it.

I have logged into SSMS SEVERAL times, and dont see this database ANYWHERE, only the system databases that come with SQL EXPRESS

Maybe I'm more lost than I initially thought.

You just created the physical data file. You still need to attach the physical data file to the instance of the sqlserver.