SQL Express v2005 problems

UGH. I've acquired a client with a huge application in VB and part of it uses an SQL Express 2005 server.

I run Team Suite - RTM and as far as I know, I'm using the SQL express supplied with it. My OS is XP - Pro

We have added his database using the SQL Management Studio CTP. The error logs show that this database was connected and then I rebooted. When I rebooted I've not been able to activate the SQL Studio Manager. It just won't activate and I don't see any errors in the event log.

Also we can't connect to his database with VB.NET 2005. I receive an exception when I attempt to connect to the database and open it in VB. The error message say roughly.

-40. Your sustem is not configured for he use of named pipes. Now SQL may be using named pipes but to my knowledge my clients app is not. This app works at his house. I've never run SQL before. It does appear to me that the the Studio manager is an important clue.

The Services MMC show the SQL services as running. Right now the requirements are simply for a local connection.

Could someone give me a pointer on where to begin