That's great, I will follow it through. Thanks Cetin

>>Hi all,
>>
>>I have never tried to connect to a local / default instance of sql server remotely? I know about making sure it is configured to allow remote uses, but I always name my instances so am not familiar with this. This is ok is it not? I've got "\\ServerName\(local)" in my connection string but it comes back with error 87 - fails to make the connection.
>>
>>Any feedback much appreciated
>
>With a default instance it would be just the server name or IP (and also you might require port number). ie:
>
>Driver={SQL Native Client};server=1.2.3.4;uid=userName;pwd=password
>Driver={SQL Native Client};server=myComputerName;uid=userName;pwd=password
>Driver={SQL Native Client};server=tcp:1.2.3.4;uid=userName;pwd=password
>Provider=SQLNCLI;server=tcp:1.2.3.4;uid=userName;pwd=password
>
>(local) is a special identifier like a dot to mean local < g >
>Besides your connection string you need to make sure it is enabled for remote access and firewall doesn't block access. Also you need to check protocols enabled.
>
>Cetin