(I have added permissions to c:\DotNetNuke for the DefautAppPool user as recommended in other threads.)

I cannot get past the [Configure Database Connection] page of the DNN Installer. I have tried both the [Express] and the [Database] options with both Integrated Security and supplying a logon and password to connect to an existing empty database. I have tried using the default server name (.\SQLexpress), the actual server name WORKHORSE7\SQLEXPRESS and an alias name which points to the server. With the aliases I have tried both TCP/IP and Named Pipes protocols.

Nothing works. What is more, I cannot overwrite the ConnectionString properties entries in Web.config manually because they get overwritten by the Wizard. It would be very useful to allow experienced users to type their own connection string rather than relying on the Wizard in situations like this. (Or perhaps there is a way of doing this?)

Other .NET Web projects that I have developed can access databases managed by this database engine on this PC.

The error I get most often is: Connection Error(s):  Index: 0. Source .Net Sqlclient Data Provider. Class: 20. Number : -1. Message: nothing

I have spent too much time on this already and have fallen at the first hurdle. I have been using MS SQL for more than ten years and ASP.NET for more than three so I don't consider myself a complete newbie in these areas. I am surprised that for what purports to be a well-rounded product I have had to furtle about on support threads to discover that I must doctor permissions in order to get the Installer to work at all, and now this. It doesn't look too clever folks.

If somebody can kindly show me where to go with this I am willing to give it  some more time and so any help would be gratefully received before I reluctantly consign DNN to the Recycle Bin and look elsewhere for a product that just works and doesn't need constant nursing. :(

Kind regards

Paul Shearing