I have installed SQL Express multiple times and searched the Internet for
hours without finding a solution that works.I downloaded SQL Express from
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/download/ (SQLEXPR_ADV.EXE).

These software installations are on a single computer with XP Home edition.

Before installation of SQL Server Express, both VS 2005 and Microsoft Access
successfully link to remote site SQL Server databases. Before doing a new
installation attempt, I uninstall everything referencing SQL Sesrver. I then
install SQL Server express and choose (1) Use the built-in System account.
(2) Mixed Mode. I choose to install all client components. After
installation is complete, I want to use (1) SQL Server Management Studio
Express, (2) VS Studio 2005 and (3) Microsoft Access to connect to any
database in the SQL Server Installation.. #1 works properly using SQL Server
or Windows Authentication.. VS Studio gives an error message referencing
remote connections. Access gives and error message stating either that
Access is denied or SQL Server does not exist.

In VS 2005 and Access, neither sa in SQL Server Authentication or Windows
Authentication work. I am at a loss as to why I can't find something on the
Internet that responds to this simple installation situation. Until someone
provides an answer, I will use trial and error during additional installation
attempts and hunt the internet until I resolve this issue.

In Surface Area Configuration, I have enabled Remote connections for both
TCP/IP and named pipes. I have made no other changes in Surface Area.

If I do find a solution, I will post my findings.

I found the solution. I needed to start the SQL Server Browser in SQL Server
Configuration Manager.

Why Microsoft does not include the following message with their other
messages at the completion of the installation is beyond me. This message
should read.

If you want to access databases in this server installation from other
applications, you must enable the SQL Server Browser if it is not already
enabled. (This simple statement would have saved me hours.)

You can still connect to the SQL Express remotely without SQL Server
Browser. You just don't include the instance name when you connect to it
remotely; however if something is connecting to your SQL Express remotly
over ODBC then they must include the instance name and you must have the
browser running.

Eric Renken

"genojoe" <genojoe@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:FEB587E8-C900-4AF6-99D9-EF0076E38A66@microsoft.com...
>I found the solution. I needed to start the SQL Server Browser in SQL
>Server
> Configuration Manager.
>
> Why Microsoft does not include the following message with their other
> messages at the completion of the installation is beyond me. This message
> should read.
>
> If you want to access databases in this server installation from other
> applications, you must enable the SQL Server Browser if it is not already
> enabled. (This simple statement would have saved me hours.)
>
>