>>>I have SQL Express installed on my development laptop.
>>>I want to simulate connecting to a remote SQL Server by using the IP address instead of localhost in the connection string. First question: Is this a good simulation of a remote connection?
>>>When I try to use my IP instead of localhost in the connection string I can not connect. I did configure the SQL Server inctance to allow remote connections (using this article http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914277), but that didn't help.
>>>I am sure it is something in my connection string. What could I be missing?
>>>
>>>If anyone has any information to share it would be great.
>>
>>Can you connect from SSMS using the TCP/IP address in the server name?
>
>No (can't believe I didn't think of trying that), same exception.

And you're sure that you've enabled TCP/IP as a protocol via the Configuration manager? Apart from that I don't know what to suggest - can only say that using the TCP/IP address works for me (both from the local machine and other machines on the network). What's the exact error message?