AbleCommerce Shopping Cart Software

In hooking to the Database "/Install/Configure1.aspx" Using SQL 2005 full version, I can not get the DB to resolve.

It asks for connection string Variables:

Database Connection

Specify the database that will be used by AbleCommerce:

Specify database

To use this option, the database you specify must already exist. Also, the user name you provide must have permission to create tables and indexes.
Server Name: [. ]
You can enter . if the database server is the same as the web server.

I have tried localhost, 127.0.0.1 and that ip is pingable, and as reccomended "."

Database Name: *
Database User: *
Database Password: *

I have double checked the spelling etc.
I have made yet ANOTHER DB user name as I had made SA earlier but now see that it wont meet PCI DSS regs (even thought i have not made another DB server yet as this is installed on a stand alone Workgroup Server with a Firewall)
I gave this NT USER no change password settings, a password, and saved it.
I went to SQL Management Studio Express, Added the user just created, Gave him the 6 roles to the appropriate DB as requested in the INSTALLATION README doc, CREATE A DB, step 3.

But when i get to where it asks for:

Database Connection

Specify the database that will be used by AbleCommerce:

Specify database

To use this option, the database you specify must already exist. Also, the user name you provide must have permission to create tables and indexes.
Server Name: [. ]
You can enter . if the database server is the same as the web server.
Database Name: *
Database User: *
Database Password: *

I put in all the relevent info and get:

The specified database connection could not be opened.

Connection String: Server=.;Database=(correctDBname);Uid=(NTUserNameCreated);Pwd=(PasswordCreated);

Provide your license key and database connection to complete the first step of installation.

The license key is a direct copy paste. From my support ticket inquiry.
I tried the 30 day license option as well with no results.

I have tried using all 3 options available

Database Connection

Specify the database that will be used by AbleCommerce:

1) Specify database

To use this option, the database you specify must already exist. Also, the user name you provide must have permission to create tables and indexes.
Server Name: *

You can enter . if the database server is the same as the web server.
Database Name: *
Database User: *
Database Password: *

2) Specify connection string (Advanced)
3) Use supplied SQL Server 2005 database

None of these are working...
What am i overlooking?

See what the server name is in management studio under database engine. I have to specify mine because I also have another server registration that was set up for MS Small Bus accounting. The one I use for all other databases is precision\developer, for example.

You also need to make sure you have the server set to allow remote connections. Start-->Programs-->SQL Server 2005-->Surface Area Configuration Manager-->SQL Server 2005 Network Configuration-->Protocols (name), TCP/IP enabled.

See what the server name is in management studio under database engine.

I am new to management studio. I am not finding "database engine" in management studio. even in the help file im not seeing it. Can some one guide me?

There is a separate management program included with SQL server. It's called the SQL Configuration Manager. It controls what types of connections SQL server will support as well as lets you stop/start SQL-specific services.

On the left side you can drill down into the network configuration showing you the supported protocols on the right side. Ensure that TCP/IP is enabled - by default it is disabled on a fresh install of SQL 2005.

Also, you can easily test your SQL DB connection by trying to create an ODBC connection from Start/Administrative Tools/ODBC from any workstation. Once you getting it working there, you should be ok for an AC7 install.

SQL permissions can be tricky depending on whether you're using native mode or mixed mode.

To find the database engine name, simply load Studio Express and look at the very top root node on the left side. The name of the root node is your SQL server name.

I was using native mode in SQL2005 full version. Able walked me thru a Mixed mode config. That was the problem. I saw no documentation about using a Mixed/Native config.

Thanks to all..