Discussion on:

Make the jump to SQL Server 2005 with these notes and tips

The downloadable version of this article is available here:
http://techrepublic.com.com/5138-9592-6036307.html

Are you planning to migrate to SQL Server 2005? When ? soon? 6 months? 12 months? Longer?

We'll eventually move to SQL Server 2005 at the college where I am the IT Director, but need to wait until our application vendors support the product. Starting immediately, though, we will make use of the Express Edition, which replaces MSDE, particularly since there is now a GUI to manage it.

I cannot get past the permission denied when connecting to SQL5K Express (XP Pro). The GUI works great, but Visual Studio 2003 and other means will not connect. What am I missing here?

SQL Server Express is locked down by default. You need to allow connections via TCP/IP (or other means) to the database through one of the admin tools available in the SQL Server 2005 group on the start menu. I'd tell exactly where to find what you need, but I don't have a SQL Server 2005 system handy at the moment...