Connecting to Microsoft Internal Database SSEE

Under SBS 2008, the SharePoint installation uses the Microsoft Internal Database (SSEE) as its SQL store. If you ever need to work on this SQL instance, you’ll need to use SQL Server Management Studio Express to connect (using a named pipe) to \\.\pipe\MSSQL$MICROSOFT##SSEE\sql\query.

But what if you get a “Login failed” message when you try to connect?

Run as Administrator

You probably forgot to run SQL Server Management Studio Express as Administrator.

If you Run as administrator (or if you have User Account Control turned off), you should be able to connect using the named pipe. Once you do, you’ll be able to see and modify the SSEE configuration: