Question : Unable to connect to SQL Server 05 Express

This is a brand new installation. I re-formatted everything and started over and now i can't connect to my SQL Server 05 express edition.

I have checked Named Pipes/ TCP/IP , both are enabled in Server config manager. I have added an alias for port 1433 for TCP/IP like i used to.

I checked and confirmed i have Mixed Mode login, userpass works when i try SQL Authentication login from the server itself , remote login is enabled and uses TCP/IP and Named Pipes.

SQLServer and Browser in services.msc has been started and are on "Automatic".

Any help? The error message is:

"[DBNETLIB][Connection Open (Connect()).]SQL Server does not exist or access denied."

Answer : Unable to connect to SQL Server 05 Express

Notice that on Windows 2008 there is the Advanced Firewall.

Check this out: http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/configure-Windows-Server-2008-advanced-firewall-MMC-snap-in.html

You need to configure the "Advanced firewall" and not the "old" firewall.