Geoff,

Just expanding on what Sergey has given you, this nailed me for ages until I understood why.

SQL server/MSDE has several security modes that it runs in i.e. SQL server, Windows or mixed.
If the server is setup for Windows security - it ignores your "sa" login and uses the NT login YOU are logged on as. That NT login needs to be given the relevant permission to SQL Server.

I found with MSDE that different installs had different default settings. In the readme file it tells you how to set the default security mode when installing the product.

Hi
I am new to SQL Sever/MSDE and have run into a bit of a problem at the basic level, that of signing in.
How do I associate a user with a trusted SQL Connection???