Could not resolve this reference. Could not locate the assembly "MySql.Data, Version=6.8.3.0

Question

I am getting the subject error message when I try to compile, using VS, a VB Forms app which I had been developing on a desktop machine but which I am now developing on a laptop.  I am using exactly the same VS files as they are in Dropbox.  (And
incidentally I no longer have access to the desktop machine.)
The subject error message points to:  Imports MySql.Data.MySqlClient
I have been down this path before and can usually, eventually, resolve it by installing something and then creating a reference to the right dll.  For me that's an iterative process as it's not always obvious, to me, what I need to install and which
file needs to be referenced.  
But the only help I am seeking from this groups is:  What makes VS think that it needs "Version=6.8.3.0"?  I am pretty certain that I never told it that it needed that version.  And how can I change its mind so that it will compile
using a different version? 
I keep telling it to use 
... but it doesn't like it and I don't know if the problem is that it's the wrong version or if the problem is that it doesn't contain the right stuff.
Thanks for whatever guidance anyone can offer.
Thanks,  Bob

Answer 1

The version shown here does not say that this is the version that is required, it indicates the version of the assembly that was referenced.
What will determine the version that is required, or if a specific version is required, will be the properties that you set on the reference, which can be viewed by clicking on the reference in Visual Studio and setting "Specific Version" to true
or false, the software in question and if the signatures match up to what you are binding to.
Now, for your specific issue, I tend to add a NuGet reference for SQLite and it makes updating versions, and maintaining specific version requirements, much nicer than using a globally installed version of the SQLite libraries.
It would be greatly appreciated if you would mark any helpful entries as helpful and if the entry answers your question, please mark it with the Answer link.
Thank you very much TSoftware.  Especially for telling me about "Specific Version" - I changed that to false and they the app compiled.  Thanks very much.  Bob