>>>>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.
>
>It sounds like either your SQLExpress is using a protocol other than TCP/IP (named pipes perhaps) or your local machine has a firewall that is blocking port 1433 (SQL) although I don't think a firewall can block access to the local IP..

Thanks for the reply.

The following protocols are enabled: Shared Memory, Named Pipes and TCP/IP
The VIA protocol is disabled, but I don't know what this protocol does. Do you know what VIA is?

It wouldn't surprise me if my company has some overstrict settings that is preventing this. I will try on my home computer and also maybe try to disconnect from my company's network.