Problem with SqlConnection.Open()

[hoetat]

When I try to open a connection to the database I hit an error
"Object reference not set to an instance of an object."

I have make a simple test connection function same error coming out when open connection as the line in 9 "connect.Open();". Here my function:

private void butConnect_Click(object sender, System.EventArgs e)
{
    SqlConnection connect = null;
    try
    {
        connect = new SqlConnection();
        connect.ConnectionString = "Data Source=(local);Initial Catalog=DB;User ID=sa;Password=password";
 
        connect.Open();
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        MessageBox.Show(ex.Message);
    }
}

My program is in .NET 1.1. Dunno why the error occur, it work fine previously. Thank you for someone help.

[Shashi Sadasivan]

Hi
I have never used the (local) context for Datasource

Try using the follwing and directing it to the instance name

connect.ConnectionString = "Data Source=.\<SQL server instance>;Initial Catalog=DB;User ID=sa;Password=password";

The default instance name for sql express is SQLEXPRESS
so make the value of Data Source=.\SQLEXPRESS

change accordingly for your servers instance name

cheers

[hoetat]

I am using MSSQL Server 2000. I have try so, even how I use in the Data Source neither server name nor IP still come out the same error.

[Shashi Sadasivan]

1. Are you able to open the database in the management studio?
2. create a new connection string from visual studio and copy that connection string into your current one. (easy way out)

[hoetat]

Enterprise Manager no problem the database can be access or modify. Query Analyzer run script also ok.

My connection string is generate by Visual Studio and the string I had use for many program.

[Shashi Sadasivan]

Could you please check which line gives that exception, and which object is staying null !

cheers

[hoetat]

The line that cause the problem is number 9 "connect.Open();" the line in bold.
When run thought the "connect.Open();" it will direct to the Exception and return "Object reference ......".

I wonders why just a simple open connection function cause me waste lot of time. SIGH.

[Shashi Sadasivan]

So you mean to say that the line which sets the value for connect.ConnectionString works perfectly, but when it comes to open, the connect suddenly goes null?
Hmmm.... Hows that possible?
Hope someone can put some light on this one...

cheers

[hoetat]

Really that happen just when open();
Firewall had been disable.
When test with other computer no problem.
Test open connection in Visual Studio 2005 is ok.
I wonders is it my Visual Studio 2003 problem. If yes what is the problem?

SIGH SIGH....