Remote Access to MS SQL Express

Here is my situation:

I am using software that requires a direct database connection to a DB on a hosted server running MS SQL Express 2005. By direct connection, I mean I need to be able to connect via ODBC as a DSN.

The server is a virtual server Windows Server 2003 hosted by a major national host. I've configured the DB to allow for remote connections. I also installed MS SQL Express on my remote machine. How exactly do I connect?

I try using the IP address\SQLEXPRESS and the SQL username/password but no luck. The windows firewall is not configured on the remote machine. Am I missing something here? I assumed that I would be able to connect and access all the tables of the DB just as if I was connected locally.

The error I receive is:

Cannot connect to xx.xx.xx.xx\SQLEXPRESS
Additional informaiton: Login failed for user 'xxxxxx' (Microsoft SQL Server, Error 18456)

Or, is there a better way to connect remotely so that I can establish an ODBC connection via DSB.

Thank you
youponderAsked:
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devlab2012Connect With a Mentor Commented:
Check that SQL Authentication is enabled. For this, on the remote server open sql express. Right click server node  > Properties > Security > select Sql Server and Windows Authentication.

Expand the Security node. Right click on Logins and create a new login.

Now, use the id/pwd of this newly created account.
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youponderAuthor Commented:
That worked - thank you!

I was able to connect via ODBC. Only question is where do I specify the default database that ODBC should connect to.

I've done similar projects with MySQL where the MySQL ODBC driver clearly asks which database to log into. I can't seem to find that in windows.
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devlab2012Commented:
When you create a ODBC, there is an option of "Change the default database to". See the attached snapshot.
Capture.JPG
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