Hello everyone

This is my first time installing DotNetNuke - it looks like a very valuable tool, but I have an error that I need help on.  During the installation process, "Configure Database Connection" page, I get the following error when I test the database connection:

Connection Error(s):
Index #: 0
Source: .Net SqlClient Data Provider
Class: 14
Number: 15372
Message: Failed to generate a user instance of SQL Server due to a failure in starting the process for the user instance. The connection will be closed.

My connection string is as follows:

<add name="SiteSqlServer" connectionString="Data Source=.\SQLExpress;Integrated Security=True;User Instance=True;AttachDBFilename=|DataDirectory|DotNetNuke.mdf;" providerName="System.Data.SqlClient" />

<add key="SiteSqlServer" value="Data Source=.\SQLExpress;Integrated Security=True;User Instance=True;AttachDBFilename=|DataDirectory|DotNetNuke.mdf;" />

I never have much luck with connection strings and I have also tried www.connectionstrings.com.  Any help is greatly appreciated!

Also important to note that I have ported the code over to .NET 3.5 and I am running SQL Server 2008 Express on my local machine. 

I am also having the same issues with .net 3.5 SQL 2008 Express and Server 2008. I cannot for the life of me get it to work. The install Wizard hangs when Runing Database Install scripts. I can connect using the SQL Manager just fine. Note: I am a complete N00b.

Check out my blog on installing DNN using the DotNetNuke.mdf in the Data directory and SQL Server Management Studio.  http://www.dotnetnuke.com/Community/Blogs/tabid/825/EntryID/1202/Default.aspx

Also it could be that when you installed SQL server you choose not to run it using User Instances.  In that case fixing your problem might be as as setting the User Instance setting to false in both connectionStrings.