Tony,

>There is an app.Config file with the following:
>

><databases>
>  <add key="Data Source=(local);Initial Catalog=Purchase;Integrated Security=True" />
></databases>
>

>
>I can get data from this connection string from the Server Explorer window.

This entry in your app.config file is formatted improperly; you are missing the "key" portion of the entry.

Check out the MM .NET Dev Guide section "Specifying Connection Strings in the Config File". Your entry should look something like this:

<add key="Northwind\Connection" value="Data Source=(local);Initial Catalog=Purchase;Integrated Security=True" />