ArcSDE connection using SQL Server Express 2008

[dbarker]

Hi,

I am trying to create an FDO ArcSDE connection in AutoCAD Map 2015 -- with ArcSDE geodatabase in SQL Server Express 2008.  I have ArcGIS 10.2.2 ArcSDE and have read that Map 2015 was needed for 10.1 and 10.2 (hoping 10.2.2 is not too new for this to work).  SQL Express 2012 will be supported in ArcGIS 10.3. 

I copied the dll files (pe, sde, sq) to bin\FDO folder.

I did Service Pack 1 update.

Still getting error:

FDO Provider entry point function 'CreateConnection' returned NULL.

So my basic question is can FDO connections work with SQL Server **Express**?  If so I will keep going with trial and error.

Thanks

[daniel.jurado]

I'm sure this isn't everything but;

Make sure you have the necessary permissions from your GIS department, your IT department and the windows environment.

Using the MAPWSPACE command, you'll also need:
Connection Name:
Server Name:
Instance name:
Login Credentials:
Data Store:
SDE Version

 - It's a pain but when it's set up up correctly, it's nice.

Good Luck!!!

Dan