RobKuwait

I've got as far as creating a VB project and linking to my database. I can create new queries much the same as Access, using the diagram view and the SQL pane. I can execute the SQL and the results display in another pane. So far so good. In Access I used to be able to save queries. Conceptually they were like tables and could be treated as such in other queries. Any way to do the same or similar? Also I used to use a lot of calculations, to produce exam percentages and the like. They were all in the Access queries. I guess they will have to go somewhere in my VB application. As you can see I've got a lot to learn. I want to end up with queries and calculations, plus a front end to make it easy for technophobic users. Lots of small steps are the best way. Where should I go from here?

Thanks, it is beginning to take shape now. I am off the ground. I can connect to my local test db and make datagrids appear in forms. Yippee! Now to import some real data from my old Access db and start playing around with that. I daresay I'll be back soon. Thanks so far, gents.

Sorry I'm not getting very far. I think I need to go back a few steps. I don't have a mental picture of this 'connection' bit. I am a complete beginner with SQL Server and VB.NET. All my experience is with MS Access, and this is how I see things (don't laugh): An Access db exists as a mdb file, within which are the tables and the queries that link them and make them do clever stuff, as well as all the fancy forms and reports that the user interacts with. I guess the mdb file is analogous to the server, and each instance of Access used to gain access to it is a client. In moving from Access to SQL Server, I guess what I'm doing is I'm setting up a server with a mdf file on it. I've created a basic mdf (using SQL Server Management Studio) with a single table, just to practise, and I'd like to create a simple VB application to display data from that table, allow me to edit, enter new data, query the data etc. At the moment the stumbling block is getting my VB.NET project to talk to my mdf file. I must confess to be a bit in the dark here. I think I need to create a connection string, in which I identify the server (which is presumably somewhere on my C drive) and the database (likewise), and provide user and password details. Trouble is, although I can find examples of connection strings online, I've no idea which to use or where to put it. Does the SQL server connection string do the same job as the MS Access shortcut I'm used to, which points to 3 things: the MSAccess.exe file, the mdb file itself, and the workgroup security file? Could some kind person walk me through the first few steps? Assume no prior knowledge. Thanks.

I'm doing something wrong... I've managed to create a simple database using SQL Server Management Studio (Express). I can create tables and populate them using SQL Server Management Studio. Now I want to start working with my db using VB.NET Express. Problem is, whenever I try to create a new project in VB, I can't connect to my database. I open the Data Sources box, navigate to the .mdf file, and that's as far as I get. Can't see where I'm going wrong.

Glad SIMS is doing the biz with the reading tests. In Access I just used a table with 3 fields: chrono age in months, raw score, standardized score. The primary key was a composite of the first two fields. The query looked for a match on those two fields. My Access db isn't really all that complex; it's just got a lot of add-ons from when people kept asking me to put new stuff on. It all centres on the StudentsBasicDataMain table, where each student has a numerical ID. All the other tables link to the students by that ID. If you need to extract any data from it, let me know and I can point you to the relevant bits so you can ignore the rest. If the queries look peculiar, look at them in SQL view and they should make better sense. Good luck:) Haven't come across Lucy yet... I guess she teaches in the senior school? I'll look out for her.

Not set up a FS club yet but it's on the 'to do' list. Just picked up a copy of FSX Gold edition. Will install tomorrow and see how it runs under Vista.

Not sure where (i.e. which forum) to start talking about this. I'm a complete beginner with SQL Server although I have five years of MS Access behind me. Got as far as downloading SQL Server Xpress and vb.net, but not much further. Would welcome a link to a tutorial or something that will get me started, building a school database and front end. Any and all help appreciated. Cheers Rob

Well it never gave me any nightmares How's SIMS working with the auto-standardized reading test scores and MS extra-curricular clubs? No we don't have SIMS here. I'm at New English School (http://www.neskt.com). What data management we have is based on a home-grown SQL Server db accessed through a home-written vb.net app. I aim to improve things and streamline them a bit.

Hi Arthur, Vik and Jacques! Kuwait is great. Come and visit! On the IT front I need to mug up on vb.net and SQL Server Xpress 2008, as MS Access is frowned upon here.

Hi Jacques, good to see you