SQL Server 2005 Express successfully installed, but is nowhere to be found!

Question

Hi,

I've SQL Server 2008 Express installed. I've just download and installed SQL Server 2005 Express, but I changed the name of instance into SQLEXPRESS2005 (I added 2005 at the end to avoid conflicting names).

Unfortunately, when I try to access the 2005 instance either using the SQL Server Management Studio or the VWD 2008 Express (Database Explorer window), I don't see it.

I just disk-recovered my system, so I lost many of my files. But, before that, I had both versions, one having 2005 as instance name.

So here are the summary of the issues:

1. I was able to download and install successfully the Express 2005
2. When I try to connect to a server, I only see.\SQLEXPRESS as option (there's no SQLEXPRESS2005)
3. When I try to connect from the VWD, I get the Server not found ERROR!
4. I can see the SQL SERVER 2005 icon on the Control Panel window. But, when I try to uninstall it, I get a error message telling that this program is not found
5. When do Start -> All Programs, I can see the The Microsoft SQL Server 2005 folder

It's really strange as I was successfully able to install both versions before I experienced problem with my system.

Thanks for helping.

Answer 1

Do you see the service for the SQLEXPRESS2005 instance? If it isn't there then the instance doesn't exist and you'll need to reinstall.