I am actually running an sql statement and getting the XML via the ms sql 2008. Testing the XML within the ms sql 2008, it is just fine. When running the below code the XML string is broken.  I am using the BO which is the parent of all the tables that are included within the sql statement? When I copy this line  Me.ExecuteScalar(cmd) into the Watch window and  look into the XML string I am getting an error. 

How can I resolve this problem?

Public Function GetXMLMenuOptions() As String
Dim cmd As New SqlCommand()
cmd.CommandType = CommandType.StoredProcedure
cmd.CommandText = "XML_MenuOptions"

Return Me.ExecuteScalar(cmd)

End Function

Thanks,

Doron