Can't even create a new SQL db, despite SQL Server 2005 installed.

I've just installed Visual Web Developer Express and SQL Server 2005. I'm running thru the painfully slow video tutorials from Microsoft (see here).

I've open Web Dev and tried to create a new SQL Database Item, only to receive this error:

"Connections to SQL Server files (*.mdf) require SQL Server Express 2005 to function properly. Please verify the installation of the component or download from the URL http://microsoft.com"

I'm totally new to this, but this still makes no sense.

hi Brad,

only SQLExpress is designed to use User Instances, the feature you are supposed to use via all "Express editions" of Visual Studio ..

as you can see, all other SQL Server 2005 editions do not provide this feature so you have to directly code your connection to access these editions, as the builtin designers of Express editions of VS do not grant the possibility to connect to traditionals instances..

or... you can install a SQLExpress instance side by side on your pc..

regards