SQL Express not showing

CrispinH

I've created an instance of Windows XP Pro SP2 on a Virtual Machine with SQL Express (Sql Server 9.0.1399), but the latter isn't showing up in the server list in SQL Compare.

Is SQL Express supported?

Crispin

Neil Davidson

Crispin,

It is supported. If you type in the name directly into the server list can you access it?

CrispinH

Neil

Typed the name in without problems. Instant list of databases.

Thanks.

Crispin

Mike Metcalf

I had no problem seeing my SQL Express instance listed in the drop down, could this be the usual firewall related problem?

CrispinH

Neil, Mike

I had a go at disabling the Windows Firewall and it made no difference to the listing (ie the local SQL Express was absent and remote instances of SQL Server 2000 were present).

Crispin

Andras B

CrispinH wrote:

Neil, Mike

I had a go at disabling the Windows Firewall and it made no difference to the listing (ie the local SQL Express was absent and remote instances of SQL Server 2000 were present).

Crispin

Crispin,
is your SQL Server Browser service running? This is usually required for non default instances and is disabled by default on 2005.

Andras

Neil Davidson

Crispin,

Another thing to check is the SQL Server surface area configuration.

CrispinH

I've now worked out how to do it - it was a combination of the suggestions above.

The SQL Server Browser Service has to be running and then a Firewall exception created for sqlbrowser.exe.

Presumably the service status could be detected as the application starts. Under no circumstances should there be a modal dialogue box, maybe just something on the project dialogue to start the service if local SQL Server Express instances are required. It's on this box that one's eye will be concentrating, so that's probably the best place for it (rather than the toolbar).

The firewall could be modified on installation (with the approval of the user of course).

Crispin