How to: Enable Network Access in SQL Server Configuration Manager (SQL Server Express)

In this topic, you will learn how to enable network protocols with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express (SQL Server Express) by using SQL Server Configuration Manager. You will also learn how to configure a protocol for your specific needs. For more information, see Protocols Supported by SQL Server Express.

 To enable a network protocol

1. On the Start menu, choose All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server and then click SQL Server Configuration Manager.
   Optionally, you can open Computer Manager by right-clicking My Computer and choosing Manage. In Computer Management, expand Services and Applications, expand SQL Server Configuration Manager.
2. Expand SQL Server Network Configuration, and then click Protocols for InstanceName.
3. In the list of protocols, right-click the protocol you want to enable, and then click Enable.
   The icon for the protocol will change to show that the protocol is enabled.
4. To disable the protocol, follow the same steps, but choose Disable in step with the same steps, but choose Disable in step 3.

To configure a network protocol

1. On the Start menu, right-click My Computer, and then choose Manage.
2. In Computer Management, expand Services and Applications, expand SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand Server Network Configuration, expand Protocols for InstanceName, and then click the protocol you want to configure.

1. Right-click the protocol you want to configure, and then choose Properties.
2. In Properties, you can set the protocol-specific options.

1. On the Start menu, right-click My Computer, and then choose Manage.
2. In Computer Management, expand Services and Applications, expand SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand Server Network Configuration, expand Protocols for InstanceName, and then click the protocol you want to configure.