Connect to Microsoft SQL server 2008 (enterprise) database from Visual C# 2008 Express

Question -

i've created a new database using SQL server managment studio with no problem.
database via Management Studio there is no problem, the database appears in the Explorer.

however, in Visual C# Express, when I try to 'Add Connection' as follows

Data source - MS SQL Server Database File
Database File Name - browse to appropriate folder and select
Log in using WIndows Authentification

And use the same database I receive the message (after a while):
"A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified)"

and yes i did detach the database / disable windows firewall / shutdown anti-virus sw before i try to connect.

* also, let me say i manage to connect for OLE DB (Access 2007) with no problems

does visual c# express edtion got to do with this problem, i mean if full version of visual studio can solve the problem ?

Looking for a solution if possible for the SQL server 2008.


Answer -

Upgrade will definitely solve the problem. The full version of Visual Studio provides support to SQL Server.
The comment about "Real" SQL Server, means that you can connect to the server itself (rather than just the SQL Server files)
I have heard of folks who just bypass the connection wizard and code the connection to the SQL Server "by hand". Using this technique, you *can* use C# Express to connect to a SQL Server... but you've got to do all the work.