Using Team Foundation Server and Team Explorer with CodePlex

About Team Explorer

Team Explorer (TE) is graphical user interface (GUI) application that acts as a client for CodePlex projects, allowing users to connect to the CodePlex Team Foundation Server.

It is essentially a version of Visual Studio with all the development features removed, providing only the necessary functionality for working with the Visual Studio Team System. The application integrates directly into the Visual Studio IDE. However, Team Explorer also works as a stand-alone client for CodePlex project contributors that don’t have Visual Studio installed.

For additional help with using Team Explorer, see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms181304.aspx.

Obtaining the Team Explorer Client

!! Warning !! - If you use the Team Explorer client then it will add source control binding information into your project files. When users download your source code and try to open it in Visual Studio they will get error messages because of the source control bindings. You can use any of the other available source control clients as an alternative.


You can use Team Explorer as a stand-alone source control client, or if you have any version of Visual Studio installed (except the Express editions) than the Team Explorer client will install itself as an add-on which gives you full source control integration within your Visual Studio IDE.

Downloading Team Explorer

  • Team Explorer 2010 - This is the version of Team Explorer that integrates with Visual Studio 2010. This download is 304 MB. Download and install instructions are on the download page when you click on the link.
  • Team Explorer 2008 - This is the version of Team Explorer that integrates with Visual Studio 2008. This download is 387 MB. Download and install instructions are on the download page when you click on the link. Due to upgrading all TFS servers to TFS 2010 you will need to install the 2008 forward campatibility pack
  • Team Explorer 2005 - This is the version of Team Explorer that integrates with Visual Studio 2005. This download is 246 MB. Download and install instructions are on the download page when you click on the link. Due to upgrading all TFS servers to TFS 2010 you will need to install the 2005 forward campatibility pack
Here is a list of some popular software applications that can handle .img files:

Install Team Explorer

This help topic shows you how to install Team Explorer from the extracted VSTFClient.img file you downloaded from Microsoft Download Center. As mentioned in Obtaining the Team Explorer Client, the .img file must first be extracted using a third-party tool before you can run setup. For help with extracting the .img file, see How to extract the VSTFClient.img File.

To install Team Explorer from the extract setup files
  1. Browse to the location where you extracted the NetSetup folder, and then double-click this folder to open it.
  2. From the NetSetup folder, locate and double-click the setup.exe file.
  3. If prompted to install the program as user with administrative privileges, type the User name and Password of such a user.
  4. Click OK to launch the Visual Studio Team Explorer Setup.
  5. From the Welcome to Setup dialog, click Next.
  6. From the License Terms and Product Key dialog, read the terms of the License Agreement, select I accept the terms of the License Agreement, and then click Next.
  7. From the Destination Folder dialog, click Next. (Note that you may not be able to change the destination location.)
  8. From the Ready to Install dialog, click Install.
  9. After the Team Explorer is installed, click Finish.

Team Explorer is now ready to use. To run the program, click Start, point to All Programs (or Programs from the classic Start Menu), point to Microsoft Visual Studio, and then click Microsoft Visual Studio.

For more information about using Visual Studio Team System, see Visual Studio Team System Resources.

Connect to a CodePlex Project using Team Explorer

You will only have permission to connect to the CodePlex Team Foundation Server using Team Explorer for a particular project if you have been added as a Coordinator or Developer of that project.

The first time you connect to a CodePlex project using Team Explorer, if it is not the default setting, you must first select Visual Studio Team Foundation Server as source-control plug in. Once you’ve set up the connection, you will not need to repeat these steps unless you want to make changes to your connection or want to add additional team project connections.
To connect to your project in Visual Studio, use the settings on the project's Source Control tab, accessed by clicking the Visual Studio Team Explorer link.

Team Explorer Areas, Iterations, Documents, and Reports

Areas are mapped to "Components" and iterations are mapped to "Releases" in the web UI. The document repository (SharePoint) and reporting (SQL Reporting Server) functionality are not available with CodePlex.

See our documentation on issue tracker for details on adding componenets and releases for adding releases.

About tf: the Command–Line Client for Team Foundation

For developers that prefer managing projects from the command line, Microsoft offers tf—a powerful command–Line utility included with the Visual Studio Team System. tf includes the following features:
  • Complete version control feature set.
  • Check-ins on a one change at a time basis.
  • Powerful branching and merging.
  • Shelving.
For a walkthrough on using the tf for source control, see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/zthc5x3f.aspx.

Using the VSTF Server MSSCCI Provider for Version Control

The Visual Studio Team Foundation Server MSSCCI Provider enables integrated use of Team Foundation Version Control with products that don't support Team Explorer integration. Such products include the following:
  • Visual Studio .NET 2003
  • Visual C++ 6 SP6
  • Visual Visual Basic 6 SP6
  • Visual FoxPro 9 SP1
  • Microsoft Access 2003 SP2
  • SQL Server Management Studio
To download the VSTF Server MSSCCI Provider for Version Control, visit the Microsoft Download Center.

You may also find answers to questions about the VSTF Server MSSCCI Provider for Version Control in the Team Foundation Server Version Control Forum.

TFS Features Available to CodePlex Projects

CodePlex enables you to use the source code version control and work item tracking features of TFS. None of the other TFS features are available at this time.

TFS Process Template

CodePlex uses a custom process template that is a simplified variation of the MSF Agile process template.

Here are the process template files we use: BasicProcessTemplate_2010.zip

TFS Version Control: Renames and Moves

In order to rename, you will need to tell the tool that you are renaming. If you're using the Visual Studio plugin, then renaming or moving something within Visual Studio automatically queues up the rename/move for the next check-in.

You can also use the command line client (tf.exe) to do renames and moves.

Connection Trouble with TFS Server

To troubleshoot TFS connection issues, try the following:
  • Verify that you are running the RTM version of Team Explorer or VSTS (versus the beta or RC version)
  • Verify that you are logged into your machine as an administrator
  • Try clearing your local TFS cache, which is located in the following two folders:
    • C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Team Foundation\1.0\Cache
    • C:\Documents and Settings\<login name>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Team Foundation\1.0\Cache

If you are still having trouble, try going through the “Forgot Password” link to reset your password. (Note: you need to use Forgot Password, and not the normal Change Password option). Try connecting again.

Access Trouble: TFS Options are Greyed Out

Make sure that you have selected Visual Studio Team Foundation Server for source control. To do this, go into the Visual Studio options menu and select Visual Studio TFS as the Current source control plug-in. Then, select Tools r-arrow.gif Options r-arrow.gif Source Control r-arrow.gif Plug-in Selection.

Support for TFS

CodePlex does not provide technical support for TFS. Please try posting your question in the TFS forum located at http://forums.microsoft.com.

Atomic Check-ins

TFS tracks the source control system using changesets (so it behaves more like Subversion than CVS, for example). Those changesets can also be automatically associated with changes in work items in the item tracking database. The Visual Studio GUI for checking into TFS makes this very simple.

Branching and Tagging Speed

See the Team Foundation Weblog for more information on branching, merging, and shelving for more information: http://blogs.msdn.com/team_foundation/archive/2005/02/23/379179.aspx.

You may also try one of our other source control clients, if this does not meet your needs.

Last edited Nov 15, 2012 at 9:59 PM by tomcornelius, version 25

Comments

CERobertson Feb 25 at 11:11 PM 
Are there any plans to make more TFS features available? I'd like to experiment with the TFS Build Workflow but can't due to access restrictions.

_bug_ Nov 28, 2012 at 11:05 AM 
Then, how shall I upload the files... :(

JanetFi Oct 5, 2012 at 3:42 AM 
The following links on this page are broken:

Set Team Foundation Server as Source Control Plug-In
Connect to TFS with Team Explorer 2010
Connect to TFS with Team Explorer 2008 or 2005
Add an Existing Team Project

xuantamvn08 Jul 2, 2012 at 9:49 AM 
hello game nhe

malbaladejo Apr 9, 2011 at 6:23 AM 
I would like to create a branch on my project and it does not work.
The follow link in documentation is dead : http://blogs.msdn.com/team_foundation/archive/2005/02/23/379179.aspx

tilovell Mar 14, 2011 at 5:48 PM 
Found it. If I LOGIN to codeplex.com and THEN look at the project source control instructions, I see some totally different instructions, which actually work. Note that your login domain will be something like 'snd' and your username will be different from your normal codeplex user name.

tilovell Mar 14, 2011 at 5:43 PM 
I can't login. What is the prefix suffix they are talking about?????
"using the prefix and suffix for TFS log-in"

leqid Jan 25, 2011 at 2:43 AM 
Saving Password in Team Explorer - Windows 7

This worked for me... From the Start orb, search for "Credential Manager". Click on "Add a Windows credential". Enter "tfs.codeplex.com" for "Internet or network address". Enter your Codeplex username and password.

I'd suggest not messing with this until you can connect from Visual Studio. (Please see my comment on the page "Connect to TFS with Team Explorer 2008 or 2005" <http://codeplex.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=Connect%20to%20TFS%20with%20Team%20Explorer%202008%20or%202005&referringTitle=Using%20TFS%20and%20Team%20Explorer%20with%20CodePlex> for what *finally* worked for me to connect.)

ChristophHusse Oct 28, 2010 at 1:56 PM 
uhh you have to download 250 MB? oh no, well then that must be bad software... Sometimes I wonder if people have a brain at all.

mcgama88 Sep 27, 2010 at 6:31 AM 
mcgama88 sep 26
I have been reading all the comment and I now understand the underlying issue of TFS.
Thank you for your interesting insights. I also have had a rather large problem with MS log on.
I am pressing on and should reach publish within the week.

RickardRedler Sep 11, 2010 at 7:51 PM 
@Simonhart: Go to your projects sourcecode page, there on the right hand side, click on the team explorer setup link. an popup will show the prefix and suffix for the tfs.

bhatty Aug 9, 2010 at 11:23 PM 
after several frustrating attempts, the following finally worked for me:
https://tfs.codeplex.com:443/TFS

genbox Aug 6, 2010 at 2:17 PM 
The information provided to connect to Team Explorer (using VS2008 and Team Explorer 2008 with campatibility pack) is confusing. I can't connect to the server using VS2008. Could you please provide more direct information on how to connect to codeplex.

simonrhart Jul 25, 2010 at 2:09 PM 
what is the prefix and suffix for tfs?

supersmola Jul 23, 2010 at 10:16 AM 
The TFS servers are often down or can't be connected to.

sywesk Mar 3, 2010 at 3:53 PM 
Thanks ericis, your answer has helped me !

ericis Feb 6, 2010 at 12:13 AM 
If you have trouble with VS2010, try specifying the entire URL instead of the parts of the connection (e.g. https://tfs.codeplex.com:443/).

tcostasouza Dec 30, 2009 at 9:30 PM 
Hello there, I'm having the same TF31002 problem. I tried this fix with no success. I'm quite new to VS and TFS, when adding a TFS at codeplex, what should go in "Path"? The project's name?

Affy Nov 23, 2009 at 11:17 AM 
@MrWeiland: The solution provided in http://blogs.msdn.com/ablock/archive/2009/05/20/for-tfs-2010-beta-1-resolving-tf31001-the-servicepointmanager-does-not-support-proxies-with-the-https-scheme.aspx also works for the TF31002 error in my case. (VS2010b2 on Vista versus Codeplex gave me a TF31002 saying "(404) Not found.")

MrWeiland Oct 21, 2009 at 10:24 AM 
Im trying to open up my TFSMailer project in Visual Studio 2010 Beta 2 (Windows 7) but i get error TF31002 Unable to connect to this Team Foundation Server. Is there a problem with VS2010 Beta 2 or are TFS just down?

christoc Oct 7, 2009 at 9:21 PM 
I gotta say that the team explorer downloads are a great option, Codeplex IDE integration with VS2k8 rocks

ricardodsanchez Aug 15, 2009 at 6:24 AM 
it should be very simple if you take the time to read the instructions.

JoshuaRamirez Aug 12, 2009 at 9:32 PM 
People! People! This is great to have, but it's certainly not for everyone. As a .Net Consultant in the Twin Cities, my laptop already has TFS installed so this makes it extremely convenient for me to work with. I would say that this isn't the default option for people looking for a simple source control client.

publius Aug 2, 2009 at 2:18 PM 
What if you already have Visual C# 2008 Express Edition installed? Wouldn't it be great for a newbie programmer if they can just download the express edition and immediately start working with codeplex source code? I'm an old hacker who wrote his first serious program in MIT-MACLISP in the 70's, and I find all these choices and limitations over which source code control client to use quite confusing.

goldbishop May 17, 2009 at 5:22 AM 
anyone having problems with the TFS on codeplex side not giving the Project Starter administrative rights to the project directory in TFS?

CraigD Mar 15, 2009 at 12:53 AM 
I added a project to CodePlex recently (first time) and documented the steps (with screenshots) using the Team Explorer interface inside Visual Studio 2008.

[url:Step-by-step instructions to setup a CodePlex project using Team Explorere|http://conceptdevelopment.net/Search/CodePlex01/]

As per the instructions during the process, I waited more than 5 minutes from 'setting up' via the CodePlex wizard before I tried to access anything via *Team Explorer*. HTH somebody...

lukevenediger Jul 27, 2008 at 8:42 PM 
Whew you've got to be kidding - 387mb download for a source repository client?

BrookP Aug 22, 2007 at 12:17 AM 
To all the people complaining about download size and comparing to svn/cvs etc, Team explorer is the client to Team Foundation Server, which is SO much more than just source control. If you're a professional .Net developer, you're going to run into TFS at some point, so take this oppurtunity to use it and learn it for free, it will make your life easier.

mastermemorex May 9, 2007 at 12:33 PM 
Hello! What happens to those that are using the express edition. Is this the solution we have to keep hosting the files for a open source free project while there are a whole of free, open source subversions around?

Kiliman Feb 20, 2007 at 8:47 PM 
Remember Team Explorer is basically the Visual Studio 2005 IDE with all the dev stuff removed. I'm sure the bulk of that 250MB are the dependencies for the IDE. That's the same for the new SQL Server Management Studio. It would be nice if there was a separate download for those that already have VS 2005 installed.

alasdaircs Feb 8, 2007 at 9:42 AM 
I've really gotta wonder about this huge d/l when I'm used to using Subversion, TortoiseSNV and AnkhSVN, the whole lot of which are free, open-source, reliable, scalable, feature-rich, integrated into Windows Explorer (TortoiseSNV) and Visual Studio (AnkhSVN) and maybe 20MB in total? And I generally like MS...

DjZAZ Dec 5, 2006 at 5:54 AM 
246 MB - dial-up kings triumph :)

garazy Oct 10, 2006 at 12:32 AM 
A 246MB download just to access source code and then a complex installation routine. Nice one.