Question

Refusal to recognize SQL Server 2005 Express on a client PC

SQL Server 2005, Microsoft Access, SQL Server Express, Access 2003

I have installed SQL Server 2005 Express with about 10 client PCs. I also have Microsoft Access 2003 on the front-end linking to it using System DSNs. On one of the PCs, it refuses to recognize the SQL Server when I try to create a DSN. It does, however, see a different SQL Server that was installed with a trial of Microsoft Office Accounting. Is there a work-around, or do I have to uninstall Microsoft Accounting?

Make sure that the SQL Browser service is started. The first instance installed will use the default port of 1433. Other instances will use a dynamic port number to listen for communications any may not be found unless the SQL Browser service is started.