How to Configure SQL Server 2005 to Accept Remote Connections

1. Enable TCP/IP
- open SQL Server Configuration Manager
- expand SQL Server 2005 Network Configuration
- click Protocols for SQLEXPRESS
- right click TCP/IP and click Enable

2. Disable SQL Browser Service
- this service allows remote users to connect without specifying the port in the connection string.
- security risk
- open SQL Server Configuration Manager
- expand SQL Server 2005 Network Configuration
- click Protocols for SQLEXPRESS
- right click TCP/IP and click Properties
- click IP Addresses tab
- under IPAll, clear out TCP Dynamic Ports
- specify port number in TCP Port. make sure to open this port in Windows Firewall.