MS SQL Server 2005 Express edition settings for remote access

As you can see, MS SQL Server Express edition - more to be honest, free database - is widely used for the purpose of research and development. It can provide most required features for enterprise business solution development and test. I also usually use the free and wonderful software.

From my experience, many developer have trouble with setting the MS SQL Server Express edition in terms of setting the remote access from external applications. In these days, lots of business solution and other application require the install the database first in order to insert the essential data into it. Therefore, the remote accessing setting is very important.

Anyway, let's start. Just install the MS SQL Server first.


Step 1. SQL Server 2005 Surface Area Configuration

After installation, just open the SQL Server 2005 Surface Area Configuration in [Start]> [All Programs]>[Microsoft SQL Server 2005]>[Configuration Tools]. Then, you will see the below screen.


In the lower part, select "Surface Area Configuration for Services and Conditions".



Step 2. SQL Server Configuration Manager



Step 3. TCP/IP enabling


Step 4. Firewall registration