SQL Server Surface Area Configuration
Once Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition has been installed, an icon appears in the start menu for the SQL Server Surface Area Configuration tool. This tool is used to configure services, network protocols and SQL Server components. On starting the tool, select the Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections option to open the configuration dialog box.
Remote Connection Options
The configuration dialog box is divided into two areas. The left side of the window provides navigation and the right side allows modification of the available settings. Select Remote Connections from the navigation area. You will see that the server is configured to allow local connections only.
Enabling Remote Connections
To enable remote connections, select the radio button for Local and Remote Connections. Next select which network protocols you wish the server to accept. Once set, every database in the SQL Server Express instance is accessible remotely. Remember that a SQL Server accepting remote connections can be a security risk, so ensure that you have appropriate security measures in place.
16 September 2006