Hi everyone,

I'm quite new to SQL Server so maybe this is an easy question but I haven't
found the answer after 3+ hours of Googling and experimenting.

I have a simple set up - two computers named HELEN and DELORES, both running
Win XP Pro, SP2. These machines are connected via a home network and both
belong to the same Workgroup. There's no Domain involved. HELEN is running
SQL Server Express while DELORES is the "client", running SQL Server
Management Studio Express. I am using "Windows Authentication" and Named
Pipes to allow DELORES to work with the SQL Server Express instance on
HELEN.

I have a general understanding of "Windows Authentication" and I was hoping
someone could fill in the gaps. I realize "Windows Authentication" uses the
underlying Windows User Accounts on the server to validate incoming
connections.

I'm sometimes having a problem in connecting SQL Server Management Studio
Express (running on DELORES) to the SQL Server Express instance (running on
HELEN). This problem may be due to a lack of understanding of Windows User
Accounts.

I've found that if I use the exact *same* username *and* passwords on both
machines, SQL Server Management Studio Express has no problem connecting to
HELEN's SQL Server Express instance. If I change the username and/or
password on only one of the machines, however, the connection fails. Also,
if I keep the usernames the same on both machines but I delete the
passwords, the connection fails again.

I realize I can set up a user account on HELEN. Do I then have to set up the
same user account (with the same non-blank password) on Delores? So far,
this is the method that's been successful. Is it possible for me to tell SQL
Server Management Studio Express to use a particular account
(username/password) when connecting to HELEN via Named Pipes? If so, how is
that specified?

I admit to my confusion. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Robin

Yes...you need to do have the exact same user names and
passwords as windows accounts on both machines.
To use a login other than the credentials you are currently
logged on with, you can right click on Management Studio and
select Run As. Then use type in the credentials you want to
use.

-Sue

On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 16:02:14 -0500, "Robin Bowning"
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