Hello,

here is the error I get when trying to install :

ERROR: Could not connect to database.

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)

here is my setup:

winxp sp2, sql2k5, vs2k5(team edition), .net2, on a local host

steps I have taken to correct the issue:

1.followed instruction in installation documentaion

2.I have used aspnet_regsql.exe to set up providers on sql

3. ensured tcp ip and name pipes are activated and running on sql

4.checked my user rights on sql and used sql surface are configuration to set it correctly for access

here is my connection string I have looked at it for so long that can't figure out if there is anything wrong with it any more

<!-- Connection String for SQL Server 2000/2005 - kept for backwards compatability - legacy modules -->

<add key="SiteSqlServer" value="Server=(LAP\MSSQLSERVER);Database=DotNetNuke;uid=User;pwd=password;"/>

I have seen similar threads here but there was either no solution or I tried it and hasn't work for me.

any suggestions? or can you please point me to a right directions

thank you