How can I resolve this error: Loading the include file 'EF.Utility.CS.ttinclude' returned a null or empty string

Question

How can I resolve these errors:

1. Loading the include file 'EF.Utility.CS.ttinclude' returned a null or empty string.
2. Value does not fall within the expected range.

Tools Used: VS 2012, Entity Framework 5.0.0, T4MVCExtensions 3.5.0, .NET Framework 4.5

I've been using EF and T4 templates in a project within a large MVC solution without incident. Now, when I right-click on the edmx diagram, EF responds with the message: Value does not fall within the expected range. When I compile the EF project it responds with these messages:

1. Loading the include file 'EF.Utility.CS.ttinclude' returned a null or empty string. The transformation will not be run. C:\Projects\NSAForms\NSAForms\NSAFormsEDM\NSAFormsEntities.tt
2. Failed to resolve include text for file:C:\Projects\NSAForms\NSAForms\NSAFormsEDM\EF.Utility.CS.ttinclude C:\Projects\NSAForms\NSAForms\NSAFormsEDM\NSAFormsEntities.tt

Every table in the database has a primary key. I'm struck by how suddenly this issue appeared. Does anyone have some suggestions how to resolve this issue?

Thanks in advance,

Arnold

Answer 1

In VS 2012, the EF.Utility.CS.ttinclude file will only be installed if the Microsoft Web Developer Tools or Microsoft SQL Server Data Tools component is selected.