How to change VS2010 Add Reference box filter ?

Question

I'm getting used to the new IDE (it's vc# express), but the first contact is somewhat confusing. When I open the Add Reference dialog and switch to the .NET tab, a label above the assembly list states: "Filtered to:.NET Framework 4". And it's true - I can reference .NET 4.0 assemblies only plus things like XNA 3.1. However I can't see older assemblies i.e. Managed DirectX libs, which are obviously installed on my computer as there was no trouble with adding a ref to them in vc#08.

What is this? How to change the filter? The label is read-only. These sound like dull guy's questions, but I'm out of lack of finding an answer and there is no intuitive solution.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Change your new application to target the .NET Framework 4 and not .NET Framework 4 Client

"When you create a new application, some projects target the .NET Framework 4 Client Profile by default."

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc656912.aspx

"If you are targeting the .NET Framework 4 Client Profile, you cannot reference an assembly that is not in the .NET Framework 4 Client Profile. Instead you must target the .NET Framework 4. "

Answer 2

I was having a similar problem until I noticed that the older .NET assemblies were actually in the list, there's just some really strange sorting going on. If you sort by assembly name, you should see them in the proper order.

Answer 3

Hi rook,

We've created a tool that will help you to achieve your goal. Muse VSReferences will allow you to add a Global Assembly Cache reference to the project from Add GAC Reference menu item.

Regards

Answer 4

How to change the filter?

Very simple - you must change the Target .NET Framework for your project, as whole. It's not pain :) just RMB on project name in Solution Explorer->Properties->Application tab->Target Framework(combobox). Select what you want. Change combobox == change filter in Add Reference dialog. ;)