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network authentication issue

  • July 15, 2009 at 12:41 am

    #139817

    i'm running the Express version of SQL 2005 and am experiencing a network authentication issue.

    based on this webpage:

    http://www.microsoft.com/Sqlserver/2005/en/us/Compare-Features.aspx?pf=true

    and my conversations with others i'm under the impression that there is no difference in the authentication capabilities of Express or any other version of SQL 2005 (thus i'm posting here rather than in the less frequented 'SQL Server Express' sub-forum).

    the Express version that i'm using was included with a piece of software called Portfoliocenter. the simple lan in this scenario contains six workstations (win2k & winxp) that are all used without workgroup passwords.

    Portfoliocenter was originally installed in what is referred to as "standalone" mode (where all Portfoliocenter activity occurs on the same computer on which SQL 2005 Express is also installed). in order to access Portfoliocenter from one of the other lan computers Portfoliocenter needs to be switched to a "server" mode. when Portfoliocenter is switched to "server" mode access from a lan client is not possible.

    after speaking at length with Portfoliocenter technical support i was told that lan access would only be possible by assigning a workstation password to each user. supposedly MS SQL 2005 can only authenticate users in a workgroup that have workstation passwords assigned.

    i was also told that if i wanted to disable SQL 2005 authentication i would need to change the "Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts" setting from classic authentication to allowing guest users. and then enable the guest user account on the SQL 2005 Express/Portfoliocenter machine. this will supposedly disable SQL user authentication.

    i will try the above tomorrow morning. in the meantime, can someone tell me if what i'm describing sounds even remotely accurate (not the Portfoliocenter stuff, just the SQL stuff)?

    thanks,

    david

  • July 28, 2009 at 10:22 pm

    #1031460

    My first thought was their tech support was misinformed (to be friendly)..

    Express supports the same authentication methods that the other editions do. As far as the portfoliocenter software I don't know about its requirements.. But if all the users are in the same AD domain I don't see a problem with integrated/trusted connectivity unless the package itself can't handle it..

    the big difference between Express and say Std is that by default the only connection protocol active is shared memory, to allow other machines to connect you have to turn on (usually) TCP/IP. SinceI don't like dynamic ports I always force it to a defined value. Also you will probably need to turn SQL Browser service on..

    I'm not sure that answers all your questions but its a start..

    CEWII

  • July 28, 2009 at 10:28 pm

    #1031462

    Yeah dude, that kinda sounds like crap to me.

    If I were you I'd push them for some official documentation on that.

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