Getting started

To start using the add-in, launch the SQL Server Compact toolbox from the button in Server Explorer.

toolbox4.png

Watch a 25 minute demo - 2.6 feature walkthrough:

Launch in another window


For walkthroughs for various features see these blog posts:
Feature highlights
SQL Server Compact Toolbox 2.0–Visual Guide of new features
SQL Server Compact Toolbox 2.1–Visual Guide of new features
SQL Server Compact Toolbox 2.2–Visual Guide of new features
SQL Server Compact Toolbox 2.3–Visual Guide of new features
SQL Server Compact Toolbox 2.4–Visual Guide of new features
SQL Server Compact Toolbox 2.5–Visual Guide of new features
SQL Server Compact Toolbox 2.6–Visual Guide of new features
SQL Server Compact Toolbox 3.0–Visual Guide of new features
Manage merge replication
Technical overview
Mango Samples: SQL Toolbox

Known issues

Issue

You get this error message:

toolboxerror.png
(The Toolbox depends on this)

Solution

Reinstall/Repair your SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 installation.
Download SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP2 Desktop runtime

Issue

You cannot add a 4.0 connection:

VS10_SQLCE_toolbx.jpg

Solution

Check your About screen (Question mark icon) - both the 3.5 SP2 and 4.0 SQL Server Compact runtime MSIs, including DbProviderFactory must be installed.

Issue

The given key was not present in the dictionary

Solution

http://hestia.typepad.com/flatlander/2010/08/fixing-the-server-explorer-the-given-key-was-not-present-in-the-dictionary-error.html

Last edited May 20, 2012 at 4:12 PM by ErikEJ, version 37

Comments

ErikEJ Apr 23 at 7:33 PM 
Jlomax: You 3.5 install in broken - make sure both the x86 and x64 MSIs are properly installed, or repair/reinstall.

jlomax Apr 23 at 5:31 PM 
I have SQL Server CE Cumulative Update 6 installed, and the latest from NuGet (3.3.0.4) says "Runtime 3.5 not found" With no support for SQL CE in SSMS 2012, I really hoped this extension would fill the gap.

ErikEJ Nov 21, 2012 at 5:39 PM 
mlshoe: Have you checked the Tools menu?

mlshoe Nov 21, 2012 at 12:45 PM 
I just installed the latest upgrade. The button does not appear in my toolbox. I don't see an issue like that in the knowledge base.

ErikEJ May 3, 2012 at 4:25 PM 
Thanks, updated with new link

jradxl May 3, 2012 at 9:55 AM 
The link, http://www.vistadb.net/onlinehelp/_2w90toeg6.htm gives a 404 error