Tory,

>The databases node is there and it works fine to access data when I compile and run the code. I had placed database sets in the config file as well but I have removed them in order to eliminate them as a possible problem and to simplify the following xml. It still doesn't work without them BTW. So am I just stupid? Anyone see a problem with the following?
>
>add key="ISPS\Connection" value="Data Source=Mercury;Integrated Security=SSPI;Persist Security Info=False;Initial Catalog=ISPS"

It might just be a formatting issue. I recommend creating a new app.config file from the template found in Program Files\Mere Mortals .NET Framework 2003\VC#\Templates\Windows Forms Template\app.config. After that, put your app-specific connection string back in. Also, don't put any comments in the databases node...the current version of the builder is intolerant of them (comments outside of XML elements are fine).

Regards,