Cannot find namespace 'System.Data.SqlServerCe'

Question

I did include the System.Data.SqlServerCe dll, put using System.Data.SqlServerCe; in my code, but when I open the .NET page I get:

Answer 1

If you have an existing reference to System.Data.SqlServerCe yet you see a yellow symbol next to it then you should:

• Remove the reference by right-clicking it.
• Re-Add the reference.

To Re-Add: Right click the References folder and select Add Reference... option. Go to the Assemblies | Framework option on the left pane, then scroll to System.Data.SqlServerCe in the right pane. If it's there, click it then be sure to check the checkbox next to it before clicking OK.

If System.Data.SqlServerCe is not in the list then you're going to have to browse for it on your computer. To do that, click the Add Reference... dialog's Browse... button and try looking in this folder:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL server Compact edition\v3.5\Desktop

or

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL server Compact edition\v4.0\Desktop

(The v#.# value in the examples above might be different by the time you read this, so navigate first to C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL server Compact edition\ then choose the latest version or a specific version if you know what that should be.)

Once you find it by browsing, select the System.Data.SqlServerCe.dll file and OK your way out then try recompiling.