SQL Server 2005 Express installed after SQL Server 2008 Express

sql serversql-server-express

I already had the SQL Server 2008 Express engine installed (just the bit that comes with VS 2008 Express). I then installed SQL Server 2005 Express followed by SQL Server 2005 Management Studio Express, all of which seemed to install OK without any errors. However, when I run SQL Server 2005 Management Studio and enter the Server name as machine name\SQLEXPRESS and click Connect I get the message:
"This version of SQL Management Studio Express can only be used to connect to SQL Server 2000 and 2005 servers".
Presumably the instance name SQLEXPRESS refers to the 2008 version, is the 2005 instance a different name, or is it a different problem? Any ideas please, thanks

Best Answer

You are right that the SQL 2008 Express took the 'SQLEXPRESS' instance name. The 2005 toolset cannot connect to 2008. You need to find out the isntance name under which the 2005 VS installed it's Express. Easiest way is to start the Service Manager (run services.msc)and see the instance name there.