Thankyou Doug and Gonzalo,

The path/name combination was the problem. I just couldn't understand why when attaching some databases it would not display the path in the name, and then with the northwind.mdf it default includes the path in the name, even tho bothy mdf's could be in the same folder... kinda strange...

another thing was that at one point SQL VSM was refusing to allow me to change the name (to eliminate the path).

After reinstalling and then rebooting to correct the other error message, it then allowed me to change the name. Now the program works.

Thanks for your assistance. Starting something new often is frought with stumbling blocks that prevent one from getting off of square one, and these are the most frustrating things for me. (especially when I know I can go to Access and do anything I want in no time at all)...