I have a database on line with Godaddy (who uses SQL Server 2005). They provide basic management tools, but tell you that for more advanced tools you can connect directly using SSMS. I followed their instructions to ensure my online database will accept remote connections, and can apparently log in using SSMS with success (after giving my hostname and access data).
However: Now from in SSMS, when attempting to expand the "Databases" folder tree, I get the following error:
Failed to retrieve data for this request. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Sdk.Sfc)
An exception occurred while executing a Transact-SQL statement or batch. (Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo)
The server principal "cmitchell" is not able to access the database "3pointdb" under the current security context. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 916)
The irony is that 3pointdb isn't my database. It is just another in a long list of databases that show up when I access my Godaddy backend. From SSMS, I selected the default database to be the name of my database, which it did locate on the list when I browsed. Still same error message. It is trying to connect to a database that isn't mine! :( Godaddy support, after a bit of testing, said the problem isn't on their end. it's on mine.