Enable remote connections for SQL Server 2005 Express

To enable remote connections for SQL Server 2005 follow these steps:

1. Click Start -> Programs -> Microsoft SQL Server 2005 -> Configuration Tools -> SQL Server Surface Area Configuration.

2. Click on Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections.

3. On the Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections page -> Database Engine -> Remote Connections -> Local and remote connections -> click the appropriate protocol to enable for your environment -> Apply -> Ok. 

4. On the Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections page -> Database Engine -> Service -> Stop -> wait until the MSSQLSERVER service stops -> Start to restart the MSSQLSERVER service.

5. On the Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections page -> SQL Server Browser ->  Service -> Start to start the  SQLBrowser service.

6. Connect from remote machine using SQL Management Studio or SQL Server Profiler according to your needs.

Note: Also check your firewall!