InstallAware

I don't know whether "Detect MS SQL Server Instances" plug-in supports SQL 2005 Express? if yes, I am puzzled because it was missed my local instance. if not, how to?

thanks

It detects any kind of SQL Server Instance. Check your security settings on your server and if it's available for remote connections and try again.

I do enable remote connections, it is enable by default. But I found that VIA (Virtual Interface Adapter) protocol also needs to enable. The local instance can be found now. Thanks!!

sorry!! having too many tests and so left a muddled post. Not the VIA, need to enable the SQL Server Browser service.

see SQL Server Configuration Manager Help:

"The SQL Server Browser program runs as a Windows service. SQL Server Browser listens for incoming requests for Microsoft SQL Server resources and provides information about SQL Server instances installed on the computer. SQL Server Browser contributes to the following actions:

Browsing a list of available servers

Connecting to the correct server instance

Connecting to dedicated administrator connection (DAC) endpoints