this is a real sql-server dozy question (is there an FAQ?) but...i've installed sql server 2005 express, no short cut on my desktop or start menu and i can't seem to find an exe in the c:\program files\microfost sql server\

:confused:

am i being a bit stupid here, but how do i run it?

If you installed it, it is already running. But to actually manage it, you need this:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=C243A5AE-4BD1-4E3D-94B8-5A0F62BF7796&displaylang=en

thanks bob

will look into that :)