How do I add a reference to an external configuration file to Visual Studio 2010?

Question

I have an external configuration file, for a third party tool, which I would like to be able to edit as part of editing other project components in VS2010.

The proje

Answer 1

The trick is to add the item as a link:

1. Right-click your project in Solution Explorer
2. Select "Add" -> "Existing Item..."
3. Navigate to the file that you want to add to the solution
4. [Important] Instead of hitting Enter or clicking the Add button, you want to click the down-arrow icon at the right edge of the Add button, and select "Add As Link".