Hello- I have seen this error in several other posts but nothing has helped me with this error.  I am trying to test the database connection during the install.  I am using SQL Server Express.   Any suggestions on what to try or how  to troubleshoot.  I'm relatively new to this process.

Message: An error has occurred while establishing a connection to the server. When connecting to SQL Server 2005, this failure may be caused by the fact that under the default settings SQL Server does not allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server)

My settings on the DNN Install page:

Select DB - SQL Sever 2005(Express File)

Server (local)

Filename:  My database Name as it appears in SQL Server

Integrated Security Checked

Run as DB Owner Checked.

In SQL Server 2005 Surface Area Configuration - Remote Connetions - Local and Remote Connections are allowed Using TCP/IP and named pipes

This is an important item to note, that change is required any time you want to use an actual database created on the server and not a dynamically attached db file.