Hi folks.. I've just downloaded Web Express from MS. I have a small client that wants to do some edits, updates, inserts, and deletes on an Access database via the web. The database only has 2 tables. So, I'll be developing this thing with forms that do the above, but my problem is that I can't seem to get the Web Express Connection Wizard, or Server Explorer to set up the correct path for my DB? Is it possible to use Access via a remote web host which is of course using Dot Net Framework version 2.0, etc..

Also, I read that I can use SQL server express and when I copy my web app to the client, as long as they have the same SQL server Express name, the app will work, even if the database isn't in the same path, but as long as it's in the App_Data folder? Is this true? Has anyone tried? Any help with getting connected to Access would be great, but if it can't be done, then I'll use SQL server express, but I'll again need to know how to move the database along with the web site to the remote client? I'll develop on my remote host, and then move / copy / ftp to the client is my hope with the DB that is..
Thanks in advance!
Tim (AKA HoosierDaddy)

Hi there,

Probably the easiest way to get an Access database to show up in the Database Explorer window is top create a new Access database on your local machine. Then select that database in a Windows Explorer and then drag it into Visual Web Developer on the special App_Code folder.

Then when you switch to the Database Explorer, your database will show up.

You can indeed automatically attach a database in the App_Data folder to SQL Server Express edition. Instead of a file path or database name in your connection string, use

AttachDbFileName=|DataDirectory|YourDatabase.mdf

in your connection string. The |DataDirectory| points to the current App_Data folder.

If you search Google for AttachDbFileName and DataDirectory, you'll find a lot more information.

HtH,

Imar
---------------------------------------
Imar Spaanjaars
Everyone is unique, except for me.