Problem in connecting 2 databases with sql Server 2005 Express

I am programming in VB6 using ADO 2.8. This connection and query works in MS access, SQL server 2000 and Sql Server 2005. does not work in Sql server 2005 express. Any Suggestions?

Connection String #1 Provider=SQLNCLI.1;Integrated Security=SSPI;Persist Security Info=False;AttachDBFileName=C:\Program Files\Material_Management_System\DATA\Main.mdf;Data Source=Steve_Laptop\sqlexpress

Connection String #2 Provider=SQLNCLI.1;Integrated Security=SSPI;Persist Security Info=False;AttachDBFileName=C:\Program Files\Material_Management_System\DATA\Items.mdf;Data Source=Steve_Laptop\sqlexpress

Sql Query: Select POLINE.ID as POLine_ID, PFMS.ID as Items_ID FROM POLINE LEFT JOIN Items.PFMS as PFMS ON POLINE.lItem_ID = PFMS.ID

Error: Msg 208, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
Invalid object name 'Items.PFMS'

Sql Query#2: Select POLINE.ID as POLine_ID, PFMS.ID as Items_ID FROM POLINE LEFT JOIN Items.dbo.PFMS as PFMS ON POLINE.lItem_ID = PFMS.ID

Error: Msg 208, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
Invalid object name 'Items.dbo.PFMS'.

I am running the queries directly from the 2005 Mgt window to take as many variables out of the equasion. I get the same error in Visual basic

How am I supposed to reference a join of 2 databases? Any suggestions

I did not try that yet, but I think the cross join between user instances is not possible, you either have to do an in-memory join in .NET or attach the databases to the SQL Server Express instance and then join them using the three part name.

HTH, Jens Suessmeyer.

http://www.sqlserver2005.de