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How can I create an edmx using Visual Studio 2022 so I can get rid of Visual Studio Express 2010?

Ken Smith 210 Reputation points
2025-06-25T21:31:47.0433333+00:00

I use VS 2020, but I have kept Visual Studio 2010 for 10 years because the edmx (Entity Framework) for a very old app was built using that old VS. I would really like very precise instructions explaining how I can get rid of VS 2010 but still build the edmx the way it has always been built since so much code uses that old edmx. Whenever the database needs a change, I use VS 2010 to rebuild the edmx. Perhaps this image will give more details. This is captured using Visual Studio C#2010 Express.

I am getting another computer and I don't know if I can still find Visual Studio 2010 to be installed.

 ![Image Legacy EF](/api/attachments/8d21d690-744c-4a62-ba19-7fefe6bd3eda?platform=QnA)
Developer technologies | Visual Studio | Setup
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  1. Surya Amrutha Vaishnavi Lanka (INFOSYS LIMITED) 245 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2025-08-06T12:22:29.2566667+00:00

    Here are some steps you can follow to replace VS 2010 and ensure the .edmx works smoothly in VS 2022

    1. Ensure Tools Are Properly Installed

    Install Entity Framework 6 Tools for Visual Studio 2022.

    Use NuGet to install EntityFramework 4.3.1

    1. Clean and Rebuild

    Delete any *.tt files (T4 templates) next to your .edmx.

    Clean and rebuild your solution after regenerating .edmx.

    1. Use Correct Code Generation Strategy

    Right-click empty space in EDMX designer → Properties.

    Change Code Generation Strategy to Legacy ObjectContext.

    If "Reset" is greyed out, use right-click Code Generation Strategy to select it.

    1. Test All CRUD Operations

    Test Create, Read, Update, Delete operations using the context.

    If you're using a separate class library for EDMX, reference it in your main project and make sure it compiles cleanly.

    1. Backup and Save

    Save the final .edmx setup.

    Document the steps in your internal dev notes (for future team use).

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  1. Ken Smith 210 Reputation points
    2025-06-28T14:37:43.8766667+00:00

    I have been using Visual Studio 2010 for a long time to create edmx files but I wanted to use VS 2022 so I can get rid of VS2010.

    I slightly modified the instructions found at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1166385/edmx-codegenerator-for-legacy-project.

    Image Legacy EF extra Preliminary tests with projects referencing the Class Library (containing the edmx) have been successful but I need to test much more thoroughly before permanently switching over to VS 2022 to build the old edmx file. If anyone knows of problems with this strategy please add comments.

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