Specified cast is not valid. SPS 2.0 edit or add new items

>> A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections.

Make sure Remote connections are enabled in SQL Server 2005 as per:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914277

And the below configurations are set correctly as per

http://www.sqlmusings.com/2009/03/11/resolving-a-network-related-or-instance-specific-error-occurred-while-establishing-a-connection-to-sql-server/
http://blog.sqlauthority.com/2009/05/21/sql-server-fix-error-provider-named-pipes-provider-error-40-could-not-open-a-connection-to-sql-server-microsoft-sql-server-error/

looks like the problem is a bit deeper.
I get errors when trying to connect with SSME and surface area configuration
This logged into the server and using ssme or configuration.

TITLE: Surface Area Configuration
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Computer localhost does not exist on the network, or the computer cannot be configured remotely. Verify that the remote computer has the required Windows Management Instrumentation components and then try again. (SQLSAC)

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

An exception occurred in SMO while trying to manage a service. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo)

For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&ProdVer=9.00.4035.00&EvtSrc=Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.ExceptionTemplates.InnerWmiException&LinkId=20476

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Failed to retrieve data for this request. (Microsoft.SqlServer.SmoEnum)

For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&LinkId=20476

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Could not load file or assembly 'Microsoft.SqlServer.SqlEnum, Version=9.0.242.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=89845dcd8080cc91' or one of its dependencies. The module was expected to contain an assembly manifest. (mscorlib)

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BUTTONS:

OK
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>> looks like the problem is a bit deeper.
I get errors when trying to connect with SSME and surface area configuration

Yes, seems like either your .Net framework installation is corrupted or uninstalled by some other..
Try installing .Net Framework 2.0 with SP2 and .Net Framework 4.0

Also try installing SP3 for SQL Server 2005 which might help fix some of these common issues.

ill try the .net
SQL sp3 is installed.

.net 2 sp2 says its already installed and to use add/remove to change it.
.net 4 installed no problem but didnt fix access to surface area config etc.  Rebooting the server now.
verified sp3 for sql is installed and it says cannot be removed so I cant reinstall it either.

bleh.  server hung on reboot.  I cant reconnect. Ill check it in the am and let you know.

>> .net 2 sp2 says its already installed and to use add/remove to change it.

Uninstall and install .Net Framework 2.0 along with SP2.

>> verified sp3 for sql is installed and it says cannot be removed so I cant reinstall it either.

SP3 can't be removed and that way won't work either.

>> bleh.  server hung on reboot.  I cant reconnect.

Do you have any resource contention on that server.
Or is your server suffering for resources.

server is not overloaded.
.Net2 wont uninstall via add/remove because it will affect other applications.  Im thinking of using the .net cleanup tool.

oh the resource comment was re the server hangin.  I actually found out that it didnt hang completely.  RDP locked up but all the other services were clicking along fine.  I re... rebooted it and it took this time.

>> .Net2 wont uninstall via add/remove because it will affect other applications.  Im thinking of using the .net cleanup tool.

If SQL Server services are shut down, you should be able to uninstall and reinstall without any issues.
Because .Net is a framework, if the dependent applications are closed it should be able to do.

>> RDP locked up but all the other services were clicking along fine

Make sure that both SQL Server and OS are applied the latest Service packs or patches..

i havent forgotten the question.  just havent had a chance to get to it.  will work on it tomorrow and post back.

The resolution is to reinstall windows.  Core windows .net DLLs are corrupt.  repair install didnt repair them.
Thanks for the help.

Welcome..
And kindly close the question accordingly.

tx