Index GUI Issues with SSMS 2014 and 2016 when working with SQL Server 2005
<p>We currently work with all versions of SQL Server from 2005 onwards. To save time I try to do everything in a single version of Management Studio. This also helps if running newer client operating systems like Windows 10 which old client tools aren't compatible with.</p>

<p>Specifically when trying to view the graphical SSMS interface for index properties I get the following error if connected to a SQL Server 2005 instance.</p>

<p>In Object Explorer:</p>

<pre><code>Database &gt; Table &gt; Indexes &gt; Right Click &gt; Properties
</code></pre>

<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/Ew1ex.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/Ew1ex.png" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p>Full error text:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>TITLE: Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio</p>
  
  <p>Exception has been thrown by the target of an invocation. (mscorlib)</p>
  
  <p>ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:</p>
  
  <p>Cannot read property IsSparse. This property is not available on SQL Server 2005. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo)</p>
</blockquote>

<p>This also happens in SSMS 2014, but <strong>not</strong> SSMS 2012.</p>

<p>So my question is; can something be done to work around this issue allowing one version of management studio to be used for all versions of SQL Server from 2005 onwards?</p>

<p>I'm guessing now, but as it works in SSMS 2012 there must be something going on that targets an older version of mscorlib. Maybe because SSMS 2012 uses a VS2010 shell and different .Net framework?</p>

<p>Many thanks in advance for your time.</p>