Configuring SQL Server Express 2005

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The new Visual Studio Express tools are truly sweet, even though still in Beta. This holds true for SQL Server Express Edition, the free new powerful database system. The only problem with the Beta product is that there's no real graphical configuration tools, so getting the thing to actually run can prove to be a hefty task. This article will provide all the necessary instruction to get up and running happily.

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was however July 2nd, and it was a Friday. I had just received news of the Visual Studio Express tools hitting the world, and this was a very exciting thing. I was particularly excited to see that Microsoft was now offering a free, scaled-down version of SQL Server 2005, called SQL Server Express.

I turned on my home computer and downloaded the package of Web Dev Express, ASP.Net 2.0 Framework, and SQL Server Express. I installed all three. My excitement still ran strong while I fired up Web Dev Express for the first time.

Every trace of my excitement was smashed and crushed as I clicked on Database Explorer, tried to connect to SQL, and received my first (of many) error message. Within a relatively short period of time, there was no excitement left, simply frustration, but thankfully a good amount of determination.

The following is the result of my entire weekend spent agonizing, searching, yelling, troubleshooting, screaming, and finally exulting in my efforts to configure SQL Server Express 2005.

Next: The Easy Part – Installation >>
 

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