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The chapter assumes that you have Microsoft Access installed together with the "NorthWind" sample Access database. This can usually be found in Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office''nn''\Samples\Northwind.mdb" (where ''nn'' signifies your version of Office). If you are unable to locate this database on your system it can be downloaded from [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=C6661372-8DBE-422B-8676-C632D66C529C&displaylang=en Microsoft's web site].
== Connected to a Database ==
Begin by launching Visual Studio and creating a new Windows Application project called "VBdatabase". Once the new project has been created the first task is to connect to the Northwind database. Click on the ''View'' menu and select ''Server Explorer''. The Server Explorer panel will appear on the left hand side of the main Visual Studio area:
[[Image:Exampl.jpg]]
This panel allows you to browse servers on your network and locate databases. Click on the ''Connect to Database'' button (highlighted above). The ''Add Connection'' dialog will appear as follows:
[[Image:Exampl.jpg]]
Click on the ''Browse'' button and locate the ''Northwind.mdb" database. Once you have selected the Northwind database click on the ''Test Connnection'' button to verify the database is accessible.
