SQL Server CE file location

Question

I have a problem concerning the folder strcture of my project, which use SQL Server CE 3.5 (private deploy). The following pic show the folder structure that is fine (no error)

But I wold like to reorganize the folder as follows:

This throws an error, "Unable to load the native components of SQL Server Compact corresponding to the ADO.NET provider of version 8080. Install the correct version of SQL Server Compact. Refer to KB article 974247 for..."

So I tried to add the probing path in my config file:

<runtime>
<assemblyBinding xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:asm.v1">
  <probing privatePath="dll"/>
  <dependentAssembly xmlns="">
    <assemblyIdentity name="System.Data.SqlServerCe" publicKeyToken="89845dcd8080cc91" culture="neutral" />
    <bindingRedirect oldVersion="3.5.1.0-3.5.1.50" newVersion="3.5.1.50" />
  </dependentAssembly>
</assemblyBinding>

but without success. Is there any chance to force my code to check the required DLL in those folders?

ErikEJ ErikEJ · Accepted Answer · 2019-02-18T16:49:13

No, this is not possible with the SQL Server Compact 3.5 provider, due to some flaws in the folder detection mechanism for private deployment.

Some improvements with private deployment in version 4.0 should enable this, but I assume you are using version 3.5 for a reason.

SQL Server CE file location

1 Answers