Enabling Protocols

To enhance security, SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Developer and Evaluation install with only limited network connectivity. Connections to the Database Engine can be made from tools that are running on the same computer, but not from other computers. If you are planning to do your development work on the same computer as the Database Engine, you are finished. Management Studio or Management Studio Express will connect to the Database Engine by using the shared memory protocol. This protocol is already enabled.

If you plan to connect to the Database Engine from another computer, you must enable a protocol, such as TCP/IP.

How to enable TCP/IP connections from another computer

  1. On the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server 2008, point to Configuration Tools, and then click SQL Server Configuration Manager.

  2. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand SQL Server Network Configuration, and then click Protocols for <InstanceName>.

    The default instance (an unnamed instance) is listed as MSSQLSERVER. If you installed a named instance, the name you provided is listed. SQL Server 2008 Express installs as SQLEXPRESS, unless you changed the name during setup.

  3. In the list of protocols, right-click the protocol you want to enable (TCP/IP), and then click Enable.

    Note

    You must restart the SQL Server service after you make changes to network protocols; however, this is completed in the next task.

Next Task in Lesson

Configuring a Fixed Port