Express remote connection on a LAN help

I have recently installed SQL Server Express on a desktop machine for a program that we use. I am in need of adding additional machines to gain access to the server for the database. Right now, the program is working on the local machine fine. What do I need to do or enable for access on a local LAN? All machines are XP Pro on a workgroup. Also, the software we use has a remote connection manager that requires inputting the server address for the machine. Is it better to use the computer name or IP address, and then what is that format? SQL Instance name is 'uesafh' if that helps. Any other information that I can provide, please let me know.

Thanks!

"What do I need to do or enable for access on a local LAN?"

enable remote connections first, launch Sql Surface Area Config tool (comes with Express) and select the connections and services link. you will then see a Remote Connections setting, set it to enabled.

"Is it better to use the computer name or IP address, and then what is that format?"

either is fine, though I find the probabilty of renaming a server is higher than assigning it a new IP, so I generally will use IP.

TCP/IP protocol connection format: ServerName or IP[\NamedInstance][,Port# (defaults to 1433)]

if you intend on using tcp/ip just ensure it is enabled and part of the protocol rotation in Sql Config Mgr. (another tool that ships with Express)

|||Ok, thanks for the help so far.

So for the server name to connect to on the remote systems in the LAN, would the format be:

'\\192.168.0.30\uesafh' ? I had tried that before and it would connect, however the connection would drop after a couple of logins and then would not be restored by even rebooting when attempting to login.

The program we use allows for multiple users to log into it, using their own login for the program that is kept and verified in the db. Should I use a 'sa' login with a password as part of the remote connection instead of Windows Authentication?|||

192.168.0.30\uesafh (this is the correct format assuming its listening on 1433)

you should be able to use either but be aware that windows authentication is using your currently logged on account so you should be in the same domain/workgroup and have assigned access. If you are just testing it you may want to use sql authentication as opposed to windows, but i believe in sql 2005 sql authentication is also of by default.

|||Ok, thanks for the help so far. I have been reading however, that I need to install SQL express on each client computer? Is that right? Is there any necessary software installs that I need to make these connections work? I was wondering particularly about .NET 2.0, MSXML 6.0, or do I need anything to get the connection to work? I have also read that I needed to install the 213 m.b. SQL server express toolkit?

Thanks again for the help!|||

http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/download/

SQL Server Management Studio Express

SQL Server Management Studio Express is installed by running the setup program for either SQL Server Express with Advanced Services or SQL Server Express Toolkit. Before you install SQL Server Management Studio Express, you must install MSXML 6.0.

thats all you need