how to connect to SQL server express 2005 database at the same time from both SSMSE and VB20

Here is the situation:

I have SQL server express 2005 installed on my pc as instance SQLEXPRESS.

I have created a Visual Basic applicaion with the following as connection to the SQL server express 2005 running on the same PC:
****************************************************************************************************
Dim lconnectionString As String
Dim builder As New SqlConnectionStringBuilder
Dim cmd As New SqlCommand
Dim reader As SqlDataReader
Dim parameter As SqlParameter


builder("Data Source") = ".\SQLEXPRESS"
builder("Initial Catalog") = ""
builder("AttachDbFilename") = "C:\My Documents\Visual Studio 2005\Projects\abc\abc\abc.mdf"
builder("Integrated Security") = True
builder("User Instance") = True
lconnectionString = builder.ConnectionString

Dim sqlConnection1 As New SqlConnection(lconnectionString)

cmd.CommandText = "SP_add_collection"
cmd.CommandType = CommandType.StoredProcedure
cmd.Connection = sqlConnection1

sqlConnection1.Open()
*******************************************************************************************************************

It seems that i can not connect to the abc.mdf in SSMSE while the VB program is running. (ERROR:
Database 'C:\My Documents\Visual Studio 2005\Projects\abc\abc\abc.mdf' cannot be opened due to inaccessible files or insufficient memory or disk space. See the SQL Server errorlog for details. (.Net SqlClient Data Provider) )

If i connect to the abc.mdf first in SSMSE, then run the VB program afterwards, it gives me the error on this line -- sqlConnection1.Open()

I want to be able to access the abc.mdf database with both SSMSE and VB at the same time. Could anyone help me on this ?

Thanks very much !

apple

I'll go out on a limb here and assume that you've attached the .mdf to SSMSE which is essentially just a pointer to the db. It is not technically a SQL database.

When you're connecting the .mdf through code, use the same connection as if you were connecting to MS Access.

If you have a stored procedure that uses the .mdf, use a sql connection.

Good luck,

Adamus

|||yes, i attached the .mdf file to the SSMSE. and i call the stored procedures in the VB application.

I want to see the result of data change of the VB application in the SSMSE right away, while the application updates the date in the table. is it possible ?|||

Yes it's possible but you have to connect directly to the .mdf not SSMS.

Adamus