Can't get in to SQLServer 2005 express with a Privileged account

Bummer. I can't remember the SA password. I had setup a user account, but I can't change anything or add any new accounts using this login. I can't get in using the windows authentication method no matter how I am logged into this machine.

Any suggestions? I have never been able to use Windows Authentication. There must be something I'm missing here. I have spent hours and hours trying to get into this machine. I just want to replicate a database. This is very frustrating.

Thanks guys.

How are you connecting to SQL Server? On Express edition, Windows authentication should always work even if you are non-admin.

You can also try using Windows Authentication with a user account that is a machine admin.

Alternatively, members of this Windows Group: SQLServer2005MSSQLUSER$<machine_name>$<instance_name> should also have access. Please replace the <machine_name> and <instance_name> variables with the appropriate values for your installation. So if you add your Windows user to this group, you should also have access.

What error message are you seeing?

Sung

|||

It was telling me that I couldn't access the default database. I found where someone said to do:

sqlcmd -E -d master

That allowed me to get the SQLCMD prompt. I didn't know what to do after that. I found in the SQL Server 2005 Administrator's Pocket Consultant that you can make any user an administrator by issuing the command:

sp_addsrvrolemember 'login', 'sysadmin'

That did the trick. I was able to elevate the one login that I knew to sysadmin status. From there I had full access and privileges.

Thanks for your response.

Can't find SQL Profiler after Install

I have installed SQL Server Express, the configuration tools as well as the SQL Server Management Express However, I need the SQL Profiler. Where or how does this get installed with SQL Server Express?

hi,

Profiler does not come with SQLExpress... it' only available with full blown SQL Server 2005 editions, as reported in http://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodinfo/features/compare-features.mspx

regards

Cant find SQL Profiler

I am using SQL Express. Does this have SQL Profiler ? - i cant find it on any menus.

I am wanting to test SQL commands direct onto the SQL database, independently

of vs.net

If Express doesnt have profiler can anyone suggest an alternative

Many Thanks

Chris

No, there is no profiler in SQL Express, you could write your own one with the profiler API.

HTH, Jens Suessmeyer.

http://www.sqlserver2005.de

Can't find Reporting Services on SQLEXPR_ADV.EXE?

Can anyone tell me why I can't find Reporting Services when I try to install SQL Server Express with Advanced Services?

Thanks...

Hi,

as a prerequisite, you will need to have IIS installed first, is it ?

HTH, Jens K. Suessmeyer.

http://www.sqlserver2005.de

|||I figured it out, but thanks anyway :).|||Could you please post your solution then, that any other reader can participate on your work ?sql

Can't find Reporting Service?

I wanted to add Reports Service to my sql express. I downloaded the SQLEXPR_ADV.EXE and also Edition Toolkit SP1. But can't see the option to install Report service.

Any help please.

Juvan

Reporting Services is included with SQL Express Advanced. Launch this installer and you will see an option to install it during the "Feature Selection" dialog.

Thanks,
Sam Lester (MSFT)

Can't find Reporting Service?

I wanted to add Reports Service to my sql express. I downloaded the SQLEXPR_ADV.EXE and also Edition Toolkit SP1. But can't see the option to install Report service.

Any help please.

Juvan

Reporting Services is included with SQL Express Advanced. Launch this installer and you will see an option to install it during the "Feature Selection" dialog.

Thanks,
Sam Lester (MSFT)

Cant Find MS SQL SERVER in DataSource

hi..

i am using C# eXpress edition 2005..and i have downloaded the SQL Express Edition..

the problem is that i cant find "Microsoft SQL Server" in data sources..

there are only two items listed

-> Microsoft Access DataBase File

-> Microsoft SQL Server Database File

Where do i get "Microsoft SQL Server" ?

hi,

Visual Studio Express editions designers are "designed" to use only "file based" connections and thus User Instances features... you can connect to the "traditional" SQLExpress engine, but only by code and not via the designers..

regards

|||thankXX a lot mate..

Can't find AdventureWorks in order to connect

I am working with SQL Server 2005 Express installed on my workstation under
XP SP2.
I am trying to work through the online tutorial. I am on
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170681.aspx
I downloaded the AdventureWorksDB.msi and installed it. The files
AdventureWorks_Data and AdventureWorks_Log are in my C:\Program
File\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data directory.
I am now trying to register the AdventureWorks server. Everything looks as
described in the tutorial until I get to the Connection Properties in Step 5.
There are no options for me to select. There are no databases other than
the initial system databases (no User Databases) when I try to browse.
Did I do something wrong? How do I locate the database so I can register it?Ensure you attached the AdventureWorks database to your SQL Server instance
which you choose in the New Server Registration window as the Server Name
editbox (e.g. EKREM-PC\test2)
If the AdventureWorks database is attached to your SQL Server instance and
if you type this SQL Server instance' s name in the Server Name editbox in
the New Server Registration, then you should be seeing the AdventureWorks
database in the combobox in Connection Properties tab in the New Server
Registration window.
--
Ekrem Ã?nsoy
"epignosis" <epignosis@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C6DBA92F-A5A1-4333-993C-46E08CE8FCF8@.microsoft.com...
>I am working with SQL Server 2005 Express installed on my workstation under
> XP SP2.
> I am trying to work through the online tutorial. I am on
> http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170681.aspx
> I downloaded the AdventureWorksDB.msi and installed it. The files
> AdventureWorks_Data and AdventureWorks_Log are in my C:\Program
> File\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data directory.
> I am now trying to register the AdventureWorks server. Everything looks
> as
> described in the tutorial until I get to the Connection Properties in Step
> 5.
> There are no options for me to select. There are no databases other than
> the initial system databases (no User Databases) when I try to browse.
> Did I do something wrong? How do I locate the database so I can register
> it?
>
>|||"Installing" from the MSI just extracts the database files. You then need
to run CREATE DATABASE ... FOR ATTACH. See Books Online for exact syntax.
"epignosis" <epignosis@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C6DBA92F-A5A1-4333-993C-46E08CE8FCF8@.microsoft.com...
>I am working with SQL Server 2005 Express installed on my workstation under
> XP SP2.
> I am trying to work through the online tutorial. I am on
> http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170681.aspx
> I downloaded the AdventureWorksDB.msi and installed it. The files
> AdventureWorks_Data and AdventureWorks_Log are in my C:\Program
> File\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data directory.
> I am now trying to register the AdventureWorks server. Everything looks
> as
> described in the tutorial until I get to the Connection Properties in Step
> 5.
> There are no options for me to select. There are no databases other than
> the initial system databases (no User Databases) when I try to browse.
> Did I do something wrong? How do I locate the database so I can register
> it?
>
>

Can't find AdventureWorks in order to connect

I am working with SQL Server 2005 Express installed on my workstation under
XP SP2.
I am trying to work through the online tutorial. I am on
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170681.aspx
I downloaded the AdventureWorksDB.msi and installed it. The files
AdventureWorks_Data and AdventureWorks_Log are in my C:\Program
File\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data directory.
I am now trying to register the AdventureWorks server. Everything looks as
described in the tutorial until I get to the Connection Properties in Step 5.
There are no options for me to select. There are no databases other than
the initial system databases (no User Databases) when I try to browse.
Did I do something wrong? How do I locate the database so I can register it?
Ensure you attached the AdventureWorks database to your SQL Server instance
which you choose in the New Server Registration window as the Server Name
editbox (e.g. EKREM-PC\test2)
If the AdventureWorks database is attached to your SQL Server instance and
if you type this SQL Server instance' s name in the Server Name editbox in
the New Server Registration, then you should be seeing the AdventureWorks
database in the combobox in Connection Properties tab in the New Server
Registration window.
Ekrem ?nsoy
"epignosis" <epignosis@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C6DBA92F-A5A1-4333-993C-46E08CE8FCF8@.microsoft.com...
>I am working with SQL Server 2005 Express installed on my workstation under
> XP SP2.
> I am trying to work through the online tutorial. I am on
> http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170681.aspx
> I downloaded the AdventureWorksDB.msi and installed it. The files
> AdventureWorks_Data and AdventureWorks_Log are in my C:\Program
> File\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data directory.
> I am now trying to register the AdventureWorks server. Everything looks
> as
> described in the tutorial until I get to the Connection Properties in Step
> 5.
> There are no options for me to select. There are no databases other than
> the initial system databases (no User Databases) when I try to browse.
> Did I do something wrong? How do I locate the database so I can register
> it?
>
>
|||"Installing" from the MSI just extracts the database files. You then need
to run CREATE DATABASE ... FOR ATTACH. See Books Online for exact syntax.
"epignosis" <epignosis@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C6DBA92F-A5A1-4333-993C-46E08CE8FCF8@.microsoft.com...
>I am working with SQL Server 2005 Express installed on my workstation under
> XP SP2.
> I am trying to work through the online tutorial. I am on
> http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170681.aspx
> I downloaded the AdventureWorksDB.msi and installed it. The files
> AdventureWorks_Data and AdventureWorks_Log are in my C:\Program
> File\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data directory.
> I am now trying to register the AdventureWorks server. Everything looks
> as
> described in the tutorial until I get to the Connection Properties in Step
> 5.
> There are no options for me to select. There are no databases other than
> the initial system databases (no User Databases) when I try to browse.
> Did I do something wrong? How do I locate the database so I can register
> it?
>
>
sql

Can't find AdventureWorks in order to connect

I am working with SQL Server 2005 Express installed on my workstation under
XP SP2.
I am trying to work through the online tutorial. I am on
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170681.aspx
I downloaded the AdventureWorksDB.msi and installed it. The files
AdventureWorks_Data and AdventureWorks_Log are in my C:\Program
File\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data directory.
I am now trying to register the AdventureWorks server. Everything looks as
described in the tutorial until I get to the Connection Properties in Step 5
.
There are no options for me to select. There are no databases other than
the initial system databases (no User Databases) when I try to browse.
Did I do something wrong? How do I locate the database so I can register it
?Ensure you attached the AdventureWorks database to your SQL Server instance
which you choose in the New Server Registration window as the Server Name
editbox (e.g. EKREM-PC\test2)
If the AdventureWorks database is attached to your SQL Server instance and
if you type this SQL Server instance' s name in the Server Name editbox in
the New Server Registration, then you should be seeing the AdventureWorks
database in the combobox in Connection Properties tab in the New Server
Registration window.
Ekrem ?nsoy
"epignosis" <epignosis@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C6DBA92F-A5A1-4333-993C-46E08CE8FCF8@.microsoft.com...
>I am working with SQL Server 2005 Express installed on my workstation under
> XP SP2.
> I am trying to work through the online tutorial. I am on
> http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170681.aspx
> I downloaded the AdventureWorksDB.msi and installed it. The files
> AdventureWorks_Data and AdventureWorks_Log are in my C:\Program
> File\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data directory.
> I am now trying to register the AdventureWorks server. Everything looks
> as
> described in the tutorial until I get to the Connection Properties in Step
> 5.
> There are no options for me to select. There are no databases other than
> the initial system databases (no User Databases) when I try to browse.
> Did I do something wrong? How do I locate the database so I can register
> it?
>
>|||"Installing" from the MSI just extracts the database files. You then need
to run CREATE DATABASE ... FOR ATTACH. See Books Online for exact syntax.
"epignosis" <epignosis@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C6DBA92F-A5A1-4333-993C-46E08CE8FCF8@.microsoft.com...
>I am working with SQL Server 2005 Express installed on my workstation under
> XP SP2.
> I am trying to work through the online tutorial. I am on
> http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms170681.aspx
> I downloaded the AdventureWorksDB.msi and installed it. The files
> AdventureWorks_Data and AdventureWorks_Log are in my C:\Program
> File\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data directory.
> I am now trying to register the AdventureWorks server. Everything looks
> as
> described in the tutorial until I get to the Connection Properties in Step
> 5.
> There are no options for me to select. There are no databases other than
> the initial system databases (no User Databases) when I try to browse.
> Did I do something wrong? How do I locate the database so I can register
> it?
>
>

Can't even create a new SQL db, despite SQL Server 2005 installed.

I've just installed Visual Web Developer Express and SQL Server 2005. I'm running thru the painfully slow video tutorials from Microsoft (see here).

I've open Web Dev and tried to create a new SQL Database Item, only to receive this error:

"Connections to SQL Server files (*.mdf) require SQL Server Express 2005 to function properly. Please verify the installation of the component or download from the URL http://microsoft.com"

I'm totally new to this, but this still makes no sense.

hi Brad,

only SQLExpress is designed to use User Instances, the feature you are supposed to use via all "Express editions" of Visual Studio ..

as you can see, all other SQL Server 2005 editions do not provide this feature so you have to directly code your connection to access these editions, as the builtin designers of Express editions of VS do not grant the possibility to connect to traditionals instances..

or... you can install a SQLExpress instance side by side on your pc..

regards

Cant create new database / CREATE DATABASE permission denied in database master (error 262

I am using SQL express and Visual web developer on windows Vista.

When I try to create a new database the following message appears.

CREATE DATABASE permission denied in database master (error 262)

I log on to my computer as an administrator.

Help appreciated

Prontonet

How do you login to sql server? Do you use sql authentication? If so, check the account you login with has appropriate permissions. Or are you using windows authentication?

|||

Can you login to database engine and read data anyway??

You need "CREATE DATABASE" permission to create new database. However, to make things easier, i would suggest you use sys_admin permission over your database.Open sql express and click "security"-->Logins, see if your login name is listed there. Rigth click your user name and select "properties", click "server roles" or "User Mappings" to see which role has been assigned to your account. If you are not a sys_admin/db_owner role, login agin using a dbo account(if you have one) and assign you account a sys_admin/dbo permission.

Hope my suggestion helps

Can't create database diagrams

Hello, I'm using C# express with SQL express.

I can create a database, create tables and I can even delete the database but I cannot create database digrams. I get an error that says I don't have a valid dbo user or permissions to impersonate. It asks me if I would like to impersonate but it just fails. Any Ideas? Thanks

In this case the first course is to consider that the error might be telling you exactly what the problem is. Does the account you're logging into the server with have dbo rights?

Another idea may be that your database doesn't have a valid owner, check out the post at http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=120849&SiteID=1 for a discussion about this issue.

Regards,

Mike Wachal
SQL Express team

-
Please mark your thread as Answered when you get your solution.

Can't connect to the database using c# express and SQL 2005 Express

Hi

I'm trying to connect to the northwind database thats available online using c# and SQL 2005, both express editions. i used the following command

sqlcmd -S yourServer\SQLExpress -E -iinstnwnd.sql

and it connects to the northwind database. but when it comes to the part where i have to select the data source, there are only 2 available - microsoft access database file, microsoft SQL server database file. but according to the microsoft books that i'm following, there should also be a "micosoft SQL server" in the data source list. because of this i cant connect to the database.

Please help...

thank you

Please verify that you have SQL Server Installed, and it is a running service.

Go to [Control Panel], [Administrative Tools], [Services]

Look for a SQL Server service -most likely MSSQL$SQLEXPRESS

|||

hi,

all the Express version of Visual Studio only allow connections to SQL Server databases in User Instance scenario.. this is true for the VS wizards only, where you can connect to "traditional" SQL Server instance's databases via code..

regards

|||

thanks a lot guys

Can't connect to SQL Server(SQL Express) in VS 2005

In SQL Server Configuration Manager I apparently have a server named
SQL Server(SQL Express) running - however, in VS 2005 when I try to
'add connection' (right click in server explorer) I cant see it- I
would like to see it so I can create a new SQL server database.

Any help much appreciated- trying to learn web programming using
vb.net, asp, html, vbscript and SQL server.

DDanWeaver (danofweaver@.googlemail.com) writes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by

In SQL Server Configuration Manager I apparently have a server named
SQL Server(SQL Express) running - however, in VS 2005 when I try to
'add connection' (right click in server explorer) I cant see it- I
would like to see it so I can create a new SQL server database.
>
Any help much appreciated- trying to learn web programming using
vb.net, asp, html, vbscript and SQL server.

Try using .\SQLEXPRESS for the server name.

--
Erland Sommarskog, SQL Server MVP, esquel@.sommarskog.se
Books Online for SQL Server 2005 at
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pr...oads/books.mspx
Books Online for SQL Server 2000 at
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodin...ions/books.mspx|||On Feb 9, 6:16 pm, Erland Sommarskog <esq...@.sommarskog.sewrote:

Quote:

Originally Posted by

DanWeaver (danofwea...@.googlemail.com) writes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by

In SQL Server Configuration Manager I apparently have a server named
SQL Server(SQL Express) running - however, in VS 2005 when I try to
'add connection' (right click in server explorer) I cant see it- I
would like to see it so I can create a new SQL server database.

>

Quote:

Originally Posted by

Any help much appreciated- trying to learn web programming using
vb.net, asp, html, vbscript and SQL server.

>
Try using .\SQLEXPRESS for the server name.
>
--
Erland Sommarskog, SQL Server MVP, esq...@.sommarskog.se
>
Books Online for SQL Server 2005 athttp://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sql/2005/downloads/books...
Books Online for SQL Server 2000 athttp://www.microsoft.com/sql/prodinfo/previousversions/books.mspx

I tried it- It worked- you rock! Thanks so much.

Dan

Can't connect to SQL Server Express 2005 using localhost in the connection string.

However it works perfectly if I specify the full server name like this
192-55-55-55\SQLEXPRESS.
Is there any way to configure it so I would be able to connect to it using
localhost?
Thank you,
VladTry using . (dot) as in .\SQLEXPRESS. localhost may or may not be
configured.
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
Use of included script samples are subject to the terms specified at
http://www.microsoft.com/info/cpyright.htm
"Vlad Kryvokobylsky" <vlad.kryvokobylsky@.denovosoftware.com> wrote in
message news:%23jqbiTOCHHA.4892@.TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> However it works perfectly if I specify the full server name like this
> 192-55-55-55\SQLEXPRESS.
> Is there any way to configure it so I would be able to connect to it using
> localhost?
> Thank you,
> Vlad
>|||Local host is set up properly, since I can use it in IE.
The idea is to avoid using a server instance name. Just an IP address.
"Roger Wolter[MSFT]" <rwolter@.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:ek4NI$OCHHA.4844@.TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Try using . (dot) as in .\SQLEXPRESS. localhost may or may not be
> configured.
> --
> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
> rights.
> Use of included script samples are subject to the terms specified at
> http://www.microsoft.com/info/cpyright.htm
> "Vlad Kryvokobylsky" <vlad.kryvokobylsky@.denovosoftware.com> wrote in
> message news:%23jqbiTOCHHA.4892@.TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>

Can't connect to SQL Server Express 2005 using localhost in the connection string.

However it works perfectly if I specify the full server name like this
192-55-55-55\SQLEXPRESS.
Is there any way to configure it so I would be able to connect to it using
localhost?
Thank you,
Vlad
Try using . (dot) as in .\SQLEXPRESS. localhost may or may not be
configured.
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
Use of included script samples are subject to the terms specified at
http://www.microsoft.com/info/cpyright.htm
"Vlad Kryvokobylsky" <vlad.kryvokobylsky@.denovosoftware.com> wrote in
message news:%23jqbiTOCHHA.4892@.TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> However it works perfectly if I specify the full server name like this
> 192-55-55-55\SQLEXPRESS.
> Is there any way to configure it so I would be able to connect to it using
> localhost?
> Thank you,
> Vlad
>
|||Local host is set up properly, since I can use it in IE.
The idea is to avoid using a server instance name. Just an IP address.
"Roger Wolter[MSFT]" <rwolter@.online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:ek4NI$OCHHA.4844@.TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> Try using . (dot) as in .\SQLEXPRESS. localhost may or may not be
> configured.
> --
> This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
> rights.
> Use of included script samples are subject to the terms specified at
> http://www.microsoft.com/info/cpyright.htm
> "Vlad Kryvokobylsky" <vlad.kryvokobylsky@.denovosoftware.com> wrote in
> message news:%23jqbiTOCHHA.4892@.TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>

Can't connect to SQL server 2005 Express through Visual C# app

I've installed SQL server 2005 Express and set up a database called StockData. I'm running the following code in a visual C# windows app to test the connection:

System.Data.Sql.SqlDataSourceEnumerator instance = System.Data.Sql.SqlDataSourceEnumerator.Instance;

DataTable tblSource = instance.GetDataSources();

string strSource = tblSource.Rows[0][0].ToString() + "/" + tblSource.Rows[0][1].ToString();

SqlConnection sqlConn = new SqlConnection();

sqlConn.ConnectionString = "Data Source=(local);Initial Catalog=StockData;Integrated Security=true";

sqlConn.Open();

I have verified that the SQLEXPRESS service is up and running. The strSource variable shows the machine and SQLEXPRESS instance name when I step through, so I know that the application is recognizing the service. But when I get to the "sqlConn.Open()" line, I get the following error message:

Message="An error has occurred while establishing a connection to the server. When connecting to SQL Server 2005, this failure may be caused by the fact that under the default settings SQL Server does not allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server)"
Source=".Net SqlClient Data Provider"
ErrorCode=-2146232060

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong here? This is driving me nuts. Thanks.

Your connection string is specifying Data Source=(local) which is for a Default Instance of SQL Server, not a named instance, as is the case for SQL Express. You should be specifying Data Source=(local)\SQLEXPRESS.

You're pulling the server information into strSource and you mention that you've confirmed it's correct, so I'm not sure why you're not using strSource to set Data Source. Possibly you mistyped your connection string? I'm guessing you meant:

sqlConn.ConnectionString = "Data Source=" + strSource + ";Initial Catalog=StockData;Integrated Security=True"

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Mike Wachal
SQL Express team

Mark the best posts as Answers!

Cant connect to SQL Server 2005 Express from VStudio 2005 pro.?

Hello
I can't do subject. It says the SQL Server does not allow remote connections, but in SQL Server surface area conf. it is turned on.
What to do?
CheersGot it to work now. I wrote localhost as with SQL Server 2000, and changed it to .\SQLExpress
Cheers

Can't connect to SQL Server 2005 Express from another machine

I know there have been many posts made on this subject; however, despite the resources available, I have not been able to get this to work! I've spent time working on this here and there over the last couple of months only resulting in frustration. I am finally posting to solicit help for my situation to figure out what is wrong with my SQL Server or firewall configuration.

Two machines connected to a router, one wireless, one wired. Both have SQL Server Express and the Management Studio tools installed. From either machine I can connect to its local SQL Server Express instance.

I have enabled Shared Memory, Named Pipes, TCP/IP, and VIA in the SQL Server Configuration Manager. (BTW what is VIA?)

I have added sqlsrvr.exe and sqlbrowser.exe to my Windows Firewall exceptions. I have tried disabling Windows Firewall. One of the machines is configured as DMZ in the router configuration.

Please, someone offer up some brilliant diagnostic steps I am missing to expose what is wrong in my setup and make this work... Thank you!

BTW, here is the error message. You can see why, in light of what I mentioned above, this error message is infuriating to me by now... !

Cannot connect to \\remotemachine\sqlexpress.

An error has occurred while establishing a connection to the server. When connecting to SQL Server 2005, this failure may be caused by the fact that under the default settings SQL Server does not allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 5 - Invalid parameter(s) found) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 87)

HResult 0x57, Level 16, State 1
Named Pipes Provider: Invalid parameter(s) found [87].
Sqlcmd: Error: Microsoft SQL Native Client : An error has occurred while establi
shing a connection to the server. When connecting to SQL Server 2005, this failu
re may be caused by the fact that under the default settings SQL Server does not
allow remote connections..
Sqlcmd: Error: Microsoft SQL Native Client : Login timeout expired.

|||

Can you connect to the system by configuring an ODBC Connection from the ODBC Manager in the control panel. Doing this will help to verify where the problem is... if it goes through there is a problem in the way that you app is connecting to the database.

I see that you are connecting by names pipes... when trying the connection try by using tcpip to connect.

|||

Thanks for the response. I get the same results from the ODBC Manager as I do from the Management Studio, command line, or from an application. Can't connect, same error message.

I can't believe I forgot to mention this in my original post, but even when I try to connect to the local SQL Server instance using it's IP address 192.168.0.98 instead of 127.0.0.1... I get the error message above. Hope this sparks some ideas out there. Thanks!

|||Did you check the surface area configuration? By default, SQL Server 2005 (even if it's just express edition) is secured so you need to configure access.|||

bass_player wrote:

Did you check the surface area configuration? By default, SQL Server 2005 (even if it's just express edition) is secured so you need to configure access.

The surface area configuration shows that it is configured for local and remote connections using both TCP/IP and named pipes. Thanks though. I am baffled.

|||

Maybe this has something to do with it?

Under SQL Server Configuration Manager TCP/IP Properties, it shows IP1, IP2, IP3 and IPAll. IP3 is an old IP address from when the machine was configured to use DHCP (can this entry be deleted somehow?). IP2 is 127.0.0.1, which I can connect on. IP1 is 192.168.0.98 which I want to connect with. IP1's "Active" property seems to keep getting set to "No", even after I set it to "Yes" and restart SQL Server. What do you think about this?

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I connected. I am an idiot.

Once I tried with the correct freakin' IP address AND explicitly with the port, I can connect.

It's 192.168.1.98 not 192.168.0.98. That entry in the TCP/IP Properties (which was 0) was faking me out.

Woohoo! :)

Sorry folks. Thanks for the responses.