Creating a new connection with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition from Visual Studio 2005

Hello, How are you?
I have a problem when I try to create a new connection with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition from Visual Studio 2005 IDE. When I’m going to choose the data source, the SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition provider doesn’t appear in the list. I installed the SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition from this page http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=%2085E0C3CE-3FA1-453A-8CE9-AF6CA20946C3&displaylang=en. In the additional information says by installing SQLServerCE31-EN.msi installs the provider (System.Data.SqlServerCe.dll) in the GAC (global assembly cache) and registers the OLEDB provider (sqlceoledb30.dll). So, I don’t understand why couldn’t I create a new connection with Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition from Visual Studio 2005 IDE?

I appreciate your help…

I believe you need to be on Visual Studio 2005 SP 1 for the Data Source name to show up as 'Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition' in the Change Data Source dialog in Visual Studio. I just checked and mine does show the new provider. My guess is that if you aren't on SP1, you'll see SQL Mobile in the list but the provider that gets referenced in your project will be the updated provider.

Darren

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I had the exact same problem and wanted to share the solution with you.

1) Uninstall SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition (SSCE)

2) Uninstall SSCE SDK

3) Uninsall SSCE SP1 Tools

4) Run setup from your Visual Studio 2005 CD

5) Click Change or remove

6) Add or Remove Features

7) Uncheck Smart Device Programability

8) Click Update

9) Repeat steps 4-8 except this time Check Smart Device Programability

10) Install SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition (SSCE)

11) Install SSCE SDK

12) Install SSCE SP1 Tools

It should now work. This is the only way I could get it to show up. I hope this helps.

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Took me a long time to find this post, your solution solved my problem. I did not have to do steps 4-8 twice. The first time I went to Add or Remove Features the Smart Device programability was not checked, so I checked it and clicked update. After update was complete I installed the SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition (SSCE) and it now appears as a choice for a Data Source when adding a new connection.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Yes!!! It worked out for me too. Thanks a lot dear Winblazer! I spent a day fighting with Microsft, I mean this issue. I am wondering if Bill Gates ever tried to install any of MS development tool and create an application just to display "Hello World!". Just for fun. I am sure he would have a lot of fun.

Thank again.