problem adding connection in vs 2005 sql 2005 express

[djc]

win xp sp2, vs 2005, sql express 2005

I am having a problem adding a connection (server explorer -> data
connections -> add connection)

I choose MS SQL Server as the data source, and .net framework data provider
for sql server as data provider, then I select my computer name from the
dropdown for server, leave use windows authentication selected, in the
select or enter a database name I enter the name - no names show in the
dropdown after a long pause while it appears to be searching, I then hit the
advanced button and change the network library to shared memory, hit test
button and get this error:

"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: shared memory provider, error: 36 - the shared memory dll used to
connect to sql server 2000 was not found)"

I believe sql server 2005 express is installed with all defaults (windows
auth only, shared memory is the only enabled protocol, which I assume is
fine for local development). I can use the sql server management studio
express to connect with no problem from same computer logged in as same user
which has local admin priveleges. I have already used the management studio
to create a database. I am now trying to get visual studio to connect to the
database to begin developing.

what do I need to do to get rolling? I have never used sql 2005 of any
flavor. I just did one project with sql 2000 server and asp web matrix a
while back so now playing with visual studio and sql 2005 express I am lost.
Note: in case I sound like a tool its because this is a hobby that I do off
and on and things progress so quickly each time I pick it up again to do
something its with all new versions of everything! and of course, well, I am
a tool.

any input would be appreciated. thanks.

 

[William \(Bill\) Vaughn]

This is a very common question so I encourage you to browse the newsgroups
for more answers. I have a checklist posted on my blog that might help as
well.

Based on what you've told us, I think you'll need to provide the instance
name along with the machine name in the dropdown "server name" dialog. It
should look something like this:
MyServerName\SQLEXPRESS
Select Windows Authentication and choose a database to which your Windows
account has rights. If you aren't in the administrator's group, you might
have to establish an account on the SS instance to grant it correct rights.

This is covered in depth in my book...

--
____________________________________
William (Bill) Vaughn
Author, Mentor, Consultant
Microsoft MVP
INETA Speaker
www.betav.com/blog/billva
www.betav.com
Please reply only to the newsgroup so that others can benefit.
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
__________________________________
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Between now and Nov. 6th 2006 you can sign up for a substantial discount.
Look for the "Early Bird" discount checkbox on the registration form...

 

[djc]

thanks Bill. That was it. I didn't even realize it was installed as a named
instance. I'll also check out your blog and the title of the book sounds
right up my alley.