I am confused by database connections in the VS 2010 VB Express version I installed recently. I want it to connect to an existing database in an instance of SQL Server Express (2008R2) I have installed on the same computer but each time I try, it keeps prompting me for a "SQL Server Database File" rather than connecting to the server and letting me choose a database. I thought "SQL Server Database File" means an MDF file, but when I try to browse to an MDF, I get "Access denied." How does one establish a connection to an existing SQL Express instance and connect to a particular database? Thank you in advance for any advice.
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Have you tried to connect through Server Explorer? Hit Control/Alt "S", then "Add Connection" and a dialog pops up that will guide you through the steps. -
¿Can you share your connection method and your connection string?, perhaps you're looking for a file instead of connecting to a server.Comment
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Unfortunately, VS 2010 VB Express only gives me one option to connect to SQL Server and that is via a "SQL Server File." When I browse to an MDF file, I get "Access Denied." There is no option for SQL Server or SQL Server Client in the dropdown list, just Access and SQL Server file. I must have downloaded the stripped down version of VS2010 VB Express...Comment
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This seems like a Visual Studio question rather than a SQL Server one. I'll move it for you to see if that produces any further help.Comment
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