I always forget about that option...  It is nice.

Gijs:

When you do that, paste the query that Sebastian provided into the large textbox, and do not check the "run as script" checkbox.

Next, click the "Execute" link.

You should now see the Site Settings for all of the installed portals.  Be sure that each of the following field values are Null: HomeTabId, LoginTabId, UserTabId, and SplashTabId.

Let us know what happens.

Gijs:

I can tell that you have replied, but I cannot yet tell what you have replied.  (One of the current bugs in the Forums Module.)  So, in anticipation of your answer, here is a query that will reset those values, and you can run it in the same place.

UPDATE {databaseOwner}{objectQualifier}Portals SET HomeTabId = NULL, LoginTabId = NULL, UserTabId = NULL, SplashTabId = NULL WHERE PortalId = [put the id number of the portal you want to update here]

Remember to replace the last portion with the correct PortalId (the first field in the table).  For instance, if the portal id you want to change is zero (0), this is what your query will look like.

UPDATE {databaseOwner}{objectQualifier}Portals SET HomeTabId = NULL, LoginTabId = NULL, UserTabId = NULL, SplashTabId = NULL WHERE PortalId = 0

Following the query execution above, you will need to clear the cache for the site.  The easiest way for you will likely be to click the Restart Application link at the bottom of the Host Settings page.

If your values are all already Null, then I am not sure how to proceed at this point. 

There is no problem in using VWD for development.  That is what I use for all module development.  I reserve my full copy for class assembly and provider development.

As far as upgrading the SQL Server, you will benefit from increased performance, and a multitude of extra features.  However, you will not notice the feature improvement unless you are going to use those specific features. 

Sorry about the query bringing your site down.  Down how?  Did you try restarting the application or IIS before restoring the site?