Using HeidiSQL with SQLexpress

Hello- I am running the 64-bit version of MS SQL Express (10.50.4000) on a Dell laptop under Windows 7 Home Premium. I have attached the result of my attempt to connect with HeidiSQL version 9.4.0.5145.

Is the basic problem that I simply will not be able to connect with HeidiSQL while using SQLexpress? I tried using MS SQL named pipes and TCP/IP and the error message is the same.

Thanks.

I had to activate one of the protocols in SQL Server Express before I was able to connect through HeidiSQL. E.g. TCP/IP had to be turned on, in the "SQL Server Configuration Manager", on the tab "Network configuration.

Thanks for a very prompt reply, Ansgar. It would seem to make sense that TCP/IP has to be enabled in SQL Server Config Manager so I quickly did so. However, the results were the same: No connection as Heidi is unable to find or connect to SQL Express. This is actually SQL Server 2008 that I currently have installed. I am hoping there can be another tweak that will allow me to connect. Should it really matter if I am using 127.0.0.1 or the actual hostname in the Host/IP field? Thanks very much for your assistance.

I think you should try "[Computername][SQLServerInstanceName]" as host name with SQL Server over TCP/IP. E.g. "Ansgar-PC\SQLExpress" did it for me if I recall right.

Wow, Ansgar, absolutely! That was exactly what was needed. Thanks so much for staying with me on this problem. In a way, knowing to enter the Hostname\SQLServerInstanceName is not entirely intuitive but if that is what Heidi needs, I will go with it. Thanks again, looking forward to using Heidi to see how it compares to Management Studio.

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