SQL database not connecting to the visual studio 2015

Question

I have downloaded and installed Visual Studio 2015 Community(because it is being used in college professional version) and SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 3 with SQL Server Management Studio 18. I have been trying to connect or create a new database connection and it is showing me the attached error

Could not load file or assembly 'Microsoft.Sqlserver.management.sdk.sfc, Version=12.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=89845dcd8080cc91' or one of its dependencies.

I have tried multiple solutions here and it took me a whole day and it's still not fixed. I have downloaded all SQL Server features from feature pack found from here:https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=103444

Installed packages via nupkg still no success, also, I checked the C:/Program Data/assembly and it contained the Microsoft.Sqlserver.management.sdk.sfc version 13.0.0.0 while it gives the error of 12.0.0.0.

Need help!

PS I had previously installed 2019 version but uninstalled it and all of it's components(I think all) is it the issue? if that is recommend something to solve this issue, I have a project to show on Monday.

Answer 1

Please try download and install Microsoft SQL Server System CLR Types and Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Shared Management Objects from: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=42295

In addition, which version of your Windows? If you are using Windows 10, SQL Server 2012 requires service pack 2 to make it compatible with Windows 10. Please download and install from below link. http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=43351