Visual Studio will not connect to Sql Server 2000

Question

I am no longer able to graphically see tables, server or databases in Visual Studio 2008. If I open previously created datasets all I see is the XML as if I had selected view code instead of designer, I have also lost my server explorer window and when I try to re-add it from tools --> connect to server or database nothing happens. Nothing was installed before or after this issue appeared. Please offer any suggestions.

Current relevant environment:

• OS: Windows XP SP3
• IDE: Visual Studio 2008 SP1
• SQL: Sql Server 2000

Answer 1

Silly question, but I hit this a lot. If you're running Vista with UAC enabled and the SQL box is localhost, you have to start VS2008 as administrator to open the connection.

Answer 2

Issue resolved by restoring computer turns out a lot issues were starting to cascade and I hads to restore the whole computer to an earlier state.