Create a Connection To SQL Server Express

• 1). Launch Visual Studio 2010. From the Tools menu, select "Connect to database".
  
  
• 2). In the "Choose Data Source" window that opens, select "Microsoft SQL Server." Click "OK."
  
  
• 3). In the "Add Connection" window, type the name of the SQL Server Express server or instance in the "Server name:" field.
  
  
• 4). In the "Log on to the server" section, select either "Use Windows Authentication" or "Use SQL Server Authentication," depending on the programming environment you're using.
  
  
• 5). In the "Connect to a database" section, select a database from the "Select or enter a database name:" drop down menu.
  
  Alternatively, an unattached database file can be attached and used by selecting the "Attach a database file:" radio button and choosing the file to attach.
  
  
• 6). Click the "Test Connection" button to test the connection settings. If the connection is unsuccessful, check the connection settings to make sure they match the SQL Server Express environment in use.
  
  
• 7). Click "OK." The connection will be created and will be visible within the Visual Studio Server Explorer under "Data Connections."