Recently, I discovered that my code samples using MicrosoftAjaxDataService.js no longer worked on my new machine. I had assumed that .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 included the new AJAX-y things I was using before it - that were part of ASP.NET 3.5 Extensions. I was wrong...but as I searched around I could only find blog posts using the MicrosoftAjaxDataService.js file, with no reference as to where it was now! I finally stumble upon the fact that it was renamed to MicrosoftAjaxAdoNet.js and is now part of ASP.NET AJAX 4.0 Preview 4.

So, now your scripts to include are as follows:

<asp:ScriptManager ID="ScriptManager1" runat="server">

<Scripts>

<asp:ScriptReference Name="MicrosoftAjax.js" Path="~/scripts/MicrosoftAjax.js" />

<asp:ScriptReference ScriptMode="Inherit" Path="~/scripts/MicrosoftAjaxTemplates.js" />

<asp:ScriptReference ScriptMode="Inherit" Path="~/scripts/MicrosoftAjaxAdoNet.js" />

</Scripts>

</asp:ScriptManager>

And, there is a new DataContext (for WCF services) and an AdoNetDataContext (for data services). Not to mention some REALLY cool new binding features that will greatly simplify how we handle results from service calls...nice! I never really did want to revisit my DHTML days...

Here is a link to ASP.NET AJAX 4.0 Preview 4: http://aspnet.codeplex.com/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=24645

I hope this blog entry helps at least a few people find the "new way". Cheers!