Power Gadgets can't locate my SQL database

[sandlapper]

Hi-

I am a total newbie but love these things. 

I am having a problem where the PowerGadgets cannot 'see' my SQL 2005 Express database - but can see a SQL 2008 database.

I am sure this is a basic question - what am I missing?

[marco.shaw]

Are either of the SQL 2005 or 2008 installs on the local machine or are both on a remote system?

Let me know...  Double-check that the SQL Server browser service is running on all the machines.  If not, and it's not considered a secuirty issue, enable the service.

[sandlapper]

Both are on separate systems, SQL 2008 is on a Windows Server 2008 and my SQL 2005 is on a Windows Server 2003.  It the 2005/2003 that I can't get to...SQL Browser is running on all systems.

[marco.shaw]

And you can create a SQL connection to that SQL 2005 without any problems other than PowerGadgets not being able to?

Do you have the SQL client tools installed on that machine where PG is?  Just so we might be able to try some calls to see if it can connect.

[sandlapper]

yes, i have an application on the machine where the PG is that connects just fine.  i will install the SQL client tools right now. 

[marco.shaw]

Then give this a try to see if it gives anything:

PS>osql /L

It doesn't work for me though even with a local install.

[JuanC]

SQLExpress does not listen to remote connections by default, I followed the steps on the following post and I was able to connect from PG running on another machine, note that sometimes you might get just the machine name in the combo box (if you enable and start SQL Server Browser service) but to connect to SQLExpress you have to provide the instance name, e.g.

MachineName\SQLEXPRESS

JuanC