im force-teaching myself SQL server but i cant even get started cos i dont seem to have a server :confused:

 

if i create a blank .UDL file, then go to it's properties, then connections tab, then try to click on "select or enter a server name", the system stops for a few seconds then i get the error message: "Error enumerating data servers. Enumerator reports: 'unspecified error'."

 

i need to be able to connect to a server before i can do anything else :headvswal :headvswal

 

ive got Windows XP Home edition with SP2. i thought that basic data access came with it!

XP doesn't come with SQL Server (no versions of Windows do). If you go to the following link you can download the desktop version of SQL Server (MSDE).

 

This doesn't come with the mmc based management tool of the full version of SQL Server, throttles performance and limits database size to 2Gb. Apart from that will to be identical to SQL Server and should appear in the drop down list you are refering to, and is fully redistributable.

 

If it doesn't just enter (local) with the brackets as the SQL Server. The database list should then show at least one database (master).

 

Depending on what you are looking to experiment with there may be easier ways to achieve the same result.

You are actually better off with a full version of SQL server 2000...the desktop version is ok...but not great.

 

I have a CD if you really need it...

Dave,

 

You have my number... ! When it comes to SQL Databases.. you know I can help.

MySQL is a free good database server. I use it at work with Access database front ends. Just use an ODBC connection and hey presto.