Keep in mind that SQL 2008 databases are different from 2005 databases. In order to attach a 2005 database to a 2008 server you will need to convert it ( that is not to say opening it with SSMS 2008 but to actually attach it to the 2008 Server instance)

This kept confusing me, when I would get a 2005 database from somebody I was working with, attach it to my localhost ( 2008) and then detach and send it back and they would bomb trying to attach to their 2005 server.


>>>>>>>I have installed SQL Server 2008 Developer. Now when I open SQL Server 2005 Management Studio I see only my SQL Server 2005 Express. Can I add the SQL Server 2008 to it? Or do I need to download a separate SSMS for SQL 2008 version?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>You should be able to connect to your computername\SQL2008 instance from SSMS either using the Connect icon at the top of the object explorer column on the left or by specifying when you initially login.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Is SSMS on the same machine as the SQL2008 server? If not, you need to allow remote connections on the SQL2008 server.
>>>>>
>>>>>The SQL 2008 is on the same machine. But when I click on Connect icon I can't seem to figure how to get to the SQL 2008. What do you think I am missing?
>>>>
>>>>Can't you just type it in the Server Name box?
>>>
>>>When I do that I get message " This version of MS SQL SMS can only be used to connect to SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005 servers (ConnectionDlg)"
>>
>>Oh - you are using SQL2005 management studio - it will not connect to 2008 (like the message says).
>>
>>If you've installed SQL2008 developer it should have installed SSMS for SQL2008 as well. You can use that for all your SQL Server instances.
>
>I got it now. I didn't know that SSMS for SQL 2008 was installed too. So I am able to connect to my SQL 2005 Express or SQL 2008 from the SSMS 2008. Thank you very much for your helpl.