I have created a SQL Everywhere database using SQL Server Management Studio (because I couldn't figure out a way to create it with VisualStudio.NET).

Then, I try to open it in Visual Studio.NET, using the following steps:

1. Add New Data Source
2. Pick type Database
3. Click New Connection
4. Pick Data Source "<other>", and Data Provider ".NET Framework Data Provider for OLE DB".
5. Pick OLE DB Provider "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Everywhere Edition OLE DB Provider for Windows".
6. Enter a full path to the filename as the Server or File Name. (I've tried it with and without doubling the backslashes in the pathname - no difference.)
7. Click Advanced and enter the Password that I assigned to the DB.
8. Click Test Connection - it says it succeeded.
9. Click OK. It says "Multiple-step OLE DB operation generated errors. Check each OLE DB status value, if available. No work was done."

Now what? Thanks.

OK, I figured this out. When I installed VS.NET, I had omitted the option "Smart Device Programmability" under Visual C#. That means it didn't install the SQL Server Mobile stuff. (I thought I didn't need it because I wasn't actually programming smart devices.)

I re-ran the setup and added that option. Now, when I go into Add New Data Source and get to New Connection, by default it comes up with the Data Source "Microsoft SQL Server Mobile Edition (.NET Framework Data Provider for SQL Server CE)", which is apparently what I want. That has prompts for the database file and the password, and it works when I click OK.