Can I use MS SQL Server Express 2005 in Visual Studio 2003?

I have been experiencing troubles since I was decided to install SQL Server Expr 2005 in my PC, first I needed to remove the .NET framework 1.1 in my computer because it is suggested before installing sql server expr 2k5 that cause my vs.net 2003 to stop loading because sql express runs in .NET framework 2.0 and vs.net 2003 is in .Net Framework 1.1 then what I did is to install .Net Framework 1.1 in my PC together with .Net Framework 2.0 and my vs.net started runnning again.

My problem now is when I try to connect to a database using Data Link Properties in the Server Explorer it says "[DBNETLIB][ConnectionOpen](Connect()).]Sql server does not exist or access denied." how could this happen if I can see the sql server in the Server Explorer in my VS.net environment?

Please somebody help me I am just learning to this language and I think I cannot proceed to the next few chapters remaining because of this.

Thank you very much!

Hi,

I dont think that having .Net 1.1 framework is the problem.

There is some other problem in the SQL 2005 installation or in the system.

Try this link too

|||hi kingcobra thank you for spending time for your feedback, maybe I can add you to my windows msgr list as one of my friends I would like to use my windows messenger exclusive for individuals who are specialized in computer and if ever you are the first to be included.thank you friend.

Anyway I removed my sql 2k5 express and installed the old MSDE 2k A I havent tried it yet but there is an icon in my windows taskbar says running \\"My server"\"My instance" - MSSQLServer. thank you friend|||

The issue is not the .Net Framework 1.1, in fact, you must have the .NET Framework 1.1 installed in order for VS 2003 to function, which I think you discovered.

The problem is that the designers in VS 2003 are not compatible with SQL 2005, they only support earlier versions of SQL, i.e. 2000. This was a design decision and is caused by structural changes in the SQL 2005 database format. You can still connect to SQL 2005 programatically from within a program written using VS 2003, but all of the UI designers will be non-functional. At this time, only the VS 2005 designer work for SQL 2005.

Your options to get working designers are:

Move to the VS 2005 environment

Download SQL Server Management Studio Express Edition

|||Sir Mike:

Hi there thank you for the explanation that's a concrete explanation that's what I am looking for.Thank you...as of now I am temporarily using Visual Web Dev. 2k5 express until I find an installer of vs 2k5.thank yah. reply with your messenger id pls I will add you to my list.thanks