Thank you. I am aware of the differences between Compact and Express. However, you can use SQL Express to create and manage .SDF files.

I have SQL Server Express 2005 and VS.Net 2005 installed. I typically use VB.Net. I am new to .SDF development and am just finding my way around now. I planned on using the SQL Server Mgmt Studio GUI to maintain the SDF, then update it in the application by refreshing the imported DataSet object.

QUESTION: Lets say I created the db in C:\MySDF\ then import the object. It recreates the file in the application directory. If I continue to edit the file in C:\MySDF, how do I reflect those changes in the imported DataSet? Is there a simple way to replicate? What is the best practice here? Am I forced to use the DataSet designer in VB.Net?

Thanks,
Mike
 Ok few clarifications to avoid confusion with SKUs.

 1) SQL Express is not same as SQL Compact.  SQL Express is a stripped down version of SQL "big" Server and runs as a service have instances concept
 2) SQL Compact (or SQL CE) is an embedded and in-proc database, and runs in applications process
 3) SQL CE 3.0 and SQL CE 3.1 are not SxS
 4) SQL CE 3.0/3.1 and SQL CE 3.5 are SxS

 Now assuming that you application is written in C#:
 1) If you have compiled your application executable with a reference to SQL CE 3.0 Provider DLL; then it always creates a 3.0/3.1 database
 2) If you have compiled your application executable with a reference to SQL CE 3.5 Provider DLL; then it always creates a 3.5 database

 I know this looks totally different from what other "big" servers do as they go with client-server model.  Where as SQL CE (like any other embedded database engine) is pretty much tightly coupled with applications and hence the way you reference is what determines which engine to load.

 If your application is written in C++ (native) and using OLEDB programming model:
 SQL CE CLSIDs and ProgIDs are version dependant.  So, check the engine you are referring to in your code.

 Thanks,
 Laxmi

 "Michael Barrett" <michaelfbarrett_notthispart@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:OCCn8jvUJHA.1908@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
 >> Yes.  Yes. Yes.   Both are SxS installations and do not interfere in each
 >> others business
 >
 > How do you determine which one you are using if you design a new database?
 >
 > For example, say you use SQL Express to create an SDF file. It always seems
 > to default to 3.0. How do you create a 3.5 sdf?
 >
 >