EF5: Cannot attach the file ‘{0}' as database '{1}'

Alright.

My solution was simple, I changed to use local server:

I changed the DataSource attribute in the connection string from:

Data Source=(LocalDb)\v11.0;blah

To:

Data Source=.\SQLEXPRESS;blah

Another solution is login to LocalDb via SQL Management Studio, and try to delete that database:

enter image description here

However it didn't work for me, when I try to delete it it says "TITLE: Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio

The Database '{0}' does not exist on the server. (SqlManagerUI)

When I try to detach it the database doesn't appear in the list for detach selection, "Take offline" also takes me to the error above.

Which leads me to think this is a solid bug in LocalDB.


If you delete the DB file, it still stays registered with SqlLocalDB. Sometimes it fixes it to delete the DB. You can do this from the command line.

  1. Open the "Developer Command Propmpt for VisualStudio" under your start/programs menu.
  2. Run the following commands:

    sqllocaldb.exe stop v11.0

    sqllocaldb.exe delete v11.0


I did try JSobell's solution first but did not see my database listed there. I ran CodingWithSpike's commands from VS Developer Command Prompt, but that did not work either. Finally I ran CodingWithSpike's same commands from Package Manager Console and that worked.

    PM> sqllocaldb.exe stop v11.0
    LocalDB instance "v11.0" stopped.

    PM> 
    PM> sqllocaldb.exe delete v11.0
    LocalDB instance "v11.0" deleted.

    PM> sqllocaldb.exe start v11.0
    LocalDB instance "v11.0" started.

For those still searching for a solution...

Go to View / SQL Server Object Explorer and delete the database from the (localdb)\v11.0 subnode!
enter image description here

There is essentially a local database retained of where the files should be, and if you want to delete the database files make sure you remove them from this explorer utility, not manually.