RE: the following error:
Keyword not supported: 'my-database-server\sqlexpress;database'.

Am I right in presuming - this is due to DNN not recognising the name of my database server?

I have also tried using the ip address in place of the server name, but still get the same error.

regards,

mark

Thanks,

I have gone over my web.config and edited it many times.

I have investigated the Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections (TCP/IP and named pipes) a little more.

* Not everything was enabled - so enabled everything and restarted SQLExpress
* In config manager >> ip address tab >> my port was 1041 - (dont know why) so I changed to 1433 (reccommended somewhere)

- still does not install I get this error:

An error has occurred while establishing a connection to the server. When connecting to SQL Server 2005, this failure may be caused by the fact that under the default settings SQL Server does not allow remote connections. (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified

I am now thinking it could be related to our sqlexpress installation?

I remember when it was first installed - not everything got installed (got a few big red 'X's next to some installation features)
e.g. Client Components - X (not installed)

not sure if there is any way of checking this out further? (other than a new install)?

regards,
mark.

I suggest to try to establish a connection from another application, ms access for example to make sure, your connection string and configuration is correct, desktop applications ofter provide better feedback on errors.