Can't use SQL Express in VS2005

When I try to add a new database to App_Data in a VS2005sp1 project I get "Failed to generate a user instance of SQL Server due to a failure in starting the process for the user interface".

I have SQL2005sp2 and SQL Express on the system, both services are running, and an instance of the latter called SQLExpress which I can use through SQL Server Management Studio. sp_configure user instances enabled is set to 1. The SQL Server Instance Name in Options | Database Tools | Data Connections is set to SQLExpress ...

I have no idea how to proceed .. any ideas anyone?

Thanks

John

Most causes of this error are solved by deleting the folder where we store the SQL Express User Instance system files, which is C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server Data\SQLEXPRESS. You may need to reboot your computer after this, so just eliminate any concerns and reboot.

The once cause that this will not resolve is if you are working thorugh remote desktop. There is bug in windows that results in the remote login not have certain permissions. The problem is explained in http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?id=896613 and you will need to call Microsoft Support to obtain the Hotfix for the problem.

Hopefully this helps.

Mike

|||

Thanks, Mike

That was it. Problem now solved.

John

|||I had the following trouble.
- Installed MSSQLEXPRESS
- Installed Visual Studio 2005
- Uninstalled MSSQLEXPRESS
- Installed MSSQLEXPRESS

->the bloody error started appearing.

The suggested method worked perfectly!!
I killed the folder, restarted Studio, now can connect to the databases.

Cheers,
Valekm