I have installed SQL Server 2008 Developer edition. In visual studio, when I want to add new data connection in server explorer (sql database file) I'm getting the following error message:
I don't get errors when I chose Microsoft SQL Server as DataSource.
SQL Server allows remote connections.
Attaching directly to a .MDF file works only with SQL Server Express edition. It's a Express-only feature.
For the Developer edition, you need to attach the MDF to your Developer server (using SQL Server Management Studio) and thus pick it from the server's list of databases.
I think you need to change the connection options in VS2008.
Tools -> Options -> Database Tools -> Data Connections and change the SQL Server Instance name
I had problems with this when having SQL2k5 and 2K8 installed
Please check:
1 Has the Sql server started?
using Sql Server Configuration Manager
2.
Has you enabled the server to allow remote connection?
Right click on the server name ==> properties ==> Connections==> Enable remote connection.