SQL Server Compact 3.5 Design Tools MSI file (SSCEVSTools-ENU.msi) is installed by the Visual Studio 2008 Setup and the MSI file installs the SQL Server Compact 3.5 design-time components. The design-time components are the user interface, dialog boxes, and design-time environment, which are used to write applications for SQL Server Compact 3.5. The SQL Server Compact 3.5 design-time components include design-time environment dialogs under the Server Explorer to design applications that use SQL Server Compact 3.5.

SSCEVSTools-ENU.msi also installs Northwind.sdf database file in %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition\v3.5\Samples. This database file is made available for creating Windows desktop and mobile device applications.

Important   If you are using Windows Vista, you cannot connect to the Northwind.sdf if Visual Studio is running in a non-administrator mode. To make a connection to Northwind.sdf, the database file should not be in Windows directory, Program Files directory, or system drive. It should be in a user directory or some other drive. To connect to the Northwind.sdf, start Visual Studio in the Run as administrator mode.