> This works and allows the users to connect to the database. It
> seems like the server was resolved outside of the connection
> string. I have read quite a bit on this and have not seen anything
> to lead me to believe this should work as a connection string.
> Also, the proper connection string, should not fail.
>

Steve,
no way jose...
the nearest thing to resoution you are talking about is server alias
resolution and it does not appear that you have this ...
You have the proper syntax already..
the connection string without the server name will result in a local
connection only.
I would prefer, however, never to have spaces in my connection strings -
just maybe a hangover from the old days but hybrid system may not like them
(e.g. java connection never used to like them)

There must be something lese at play here - maybe keep talking a little -
see if something else becomes apparent

Alan