Database projects require a connection to a local instance of Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for design-time validation.
This error occurs when you perform an action that requires access to the local database server that is used for design-time validation and the server does not exist, is not available, or is not an instance of Microsoft SQL Server 2005. For example, this error might occur when you create a database project, open a database project, or create or modify the contents of a database project. To resolve this error, you must specify an instance of either SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition, Developer Edition, or Express Edition that is running on your local computer. For more information, see How to: Specify the Local Instance of SQL Server to use for Design-time Validation.
Note
If your connection is lost and you try to perform an action that requires design-time validation, you must close and reopen the solution after you reconnect to the server.
To correct this error
On the Tools menu, click Options.
The Options dialog box appears.
Expand the Database Tools node, and click Design-time Validation Database.
The name of the local instance of the database that is used for design-time validation appears in SQL Server Instance Name. If no instance is specified, the default instance of SQL Server on the local computer is used.
Do one or more of the following, and click OK:
If the instance name is incorrect, type the name of the SQL Server 2005 database that you want to use for design-time validation.
If the instance name is not a SQL Server 2005 database, type the name of a SQL Server 2005 database.
If the instance name is correct, verify that the instance is running and allows connections.
Close and reopen the solution so that your change can take effect.
See Also
Concepts
Troubleshooting Data Generation Issues
Terminology Overview of Team Edition for Database Professionals
Other Resources
How to: Specify the Local Instance of SQL Server to use for Design-time Validation