problem with connection strings

Hi

I'm having problems with connection strings.

I'm running a copy of vb express 2008 on my local. I also have installed a copy of sql on my local pc ( the sql version that comes with vb express 2008).

I have written the following lines of code

Imports System.Data
Imports System.Data.SqlClient

Dim nwindConn As SqlConnection = New SqlConnection("Data Source=localhost;Integrated Security=SSPI;" & _
"Initial Catalog=northwnd")

nwindConn.Open()

the code compiles o.k but when i run it I get the error message :

A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server)

Does anyone know what causing the error?

Thread moved to 'Database Development' forum

It sounds like you are using SQL Server Express, in which case there is an instance name of SQLExpress, so you should add that:

Code:

---

"Data Source=localhost\SQLExpress;Integrated Security=SSPI;" & _

---

hi,

did what you suggested.

now i get a different error message

Cannot open database "northwind" requested by the login. The login failed. Login failed for user 'RAQIB-6D4CEC9C3\mohammed'.

do you know what causes this error?

Was SQL Server Express installed under that user account or a different one? If it was a different one then that user account has probably not been added to the SQL Server Administrators group and will not be able to log in using Windows Security.

Isn't NorthWind an Access database?

If so, then code for SQL Server (Imports System.Data.SqlClient
and
Dim nwindConn As SqlConnection = New SqlConnection("Data Source=localhost;Integrated Security=SSPI;" & _
"Initial Catalog=northwnd")
isn't going to work.

I'm pretty sure that there is also a Northwind for SQL Server now, so that people who are 'upsizing' can directly compare features etc to what is available in Access.

Hello,

I haven't used express edition but could you clarify what I suspect is a spelling mistake:

Code:

---

Dim nwindConn As SqlConnection = New SqlConnection("Data Source=localhost;Integrated Security=SSPI;" & _
"Initial Catalog=northwnd")

---

Kind regards

Steve

Hi,

Threre are no accounts on my computer (When i start up the pc, there is no login prompt). I'm therefore assuming that the potential cause of the problem as suggested by jmcilhinney cannot be correct.

I'm also certain that the spelling of the northwind database is correct. I have double checked this.

Regards,
Kareem.

Whenever you are using Windows, you are always using an account. It sounds like you have got it set up to automatically log in to a particular account when Windows starts.

Based on post #3, the account you are using is called "mohammed".

Open up "SQL Server Management Studio" (or the interface inside VB), and check in the Security section that the account is listed there.