Connections to SQL Server files (*.mdf) require SQL Server to function properly

ERROR MESAGGE:

“Connections to SQL Server files (*.mdf) require SQL Server to function properly. Please verify the installation of the component or download from the URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=49251”

EXPLANATION:

In Visual Studio 2005, you may experience this error when you want to add a Database to your project.

The reason is that the “SQL Server Instance Name” setting in the Data Connections is incorrectly configured.

SOLUTION:

Run Visual Studio 2005 to correctly configure the “SQL Server Instance Name” setting in Visual Studio 2005. Then follow these steps in order:

– “Tools”,
– “Options…”,
– “Database Tools”,
– “Data Connections”,
– “SQL Server Instance Name”

In the “SQL Server Instance Name” box, enter the name of a valid Instance. If you are using SQL Server Instance as “Default Instance”, then leave this box blank.