Connecting to an instance of SQL Server

[pizzaboy]

Just installed VS2010 on a XP SP3 machine but having problems connecting to an SQL instance.

Under VS (at home anyway, running Windows 7) I can just add a Server-Based database to my project and the UI seems to automatically completes whatever is required to create the database and make a connection to it, but on the XP machine I get an error. Can't completely remember what the error was (currently at home), its along the lines of can't connect to an SQL instance.

How can I ensure that the SQL service agent is running? That "is" what I "should" be looking for right? If not please point me in the right direction.

It will allow me to add a Local SQL database (sdf), but not the Server-based one (mdf) which I need.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Pete.

 

[jmcilhinney]

To be able to add a server-based database to a project, you must have installed SQL Server Express locally. Have you?

 

[pizzaboy]

Yes, I had already previously installed 2005 and 2008 Express. But doesn't the VS installation include Express if I don't install it separately?

Trying to uninstall all SQL instances at the moment and getting the VS installation to hopefully complete the process for me...

Will let you know how that works out.