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SQL 2008 Express permissions issues

Hi all,

I have a remote server server running Windows 2008 standard with SQL 2008 express.

My login is a member of the Administrators group. When I login and fireup SQL management studio I connect to the instance using windows authentication.

I want to try and change the setup to "mixed-mode" but when I do I get the following error:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alter failed for Server '277171-WEB1\SQLEXPRESS'. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo)
------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
An exception occurred while executing a Transact-SQL statement or batch. (Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo)
------------------------------
xp_regread() returned error 5, 'Access is denied.'
xp_regread() returned error 5, 'Access is denied.'
xp_regread() returned error 5, 'Access is denied.' (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 22001)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I also can't change the 'sa' login password.

If I'm a member of the Administers group should'nt I be able to configure all these settings?

Thanks in advance,

Nellster

Lowfatspread

depends what the internal security setting of the server/instance actually are...

builtin administrators aren't necessarily "sa" in a system

what command are you actually truing to run?

have you tried doing it locally?

nellster1000

ASKER

Its via the SQL Studio Manage GUI. Can only get remote desktop access to the box as its a dedicated server as part of a web hosting package.

Raja Jegan R

Do you have permissions on that server..
If so, then try using DAC mode as given below..

http://www.mssqltips.com/tip.asp?tip=1005

nellster1000

ASKER

I have "Administrator" permissions if thats what you mean? What permissions I have regarding SQL I'm not sure.

If the security mode is set to "Windows Authentication Mode" should'nt local admins have sysadmin permissions on the instance? Or do they need to be assigned by a login that does i.e 'sa'?

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Lowfatspread

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Raja Jegan R

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nellster1000

ASKER

Gonna split the points guys as both your solutions led me to a better understanding. I eventually re-installed SQL. The previous installation was not done by me and I had no access to the windows user tied to the SQL Administration or the sa credentials. All fine and dandy now. Many thanks for your help!