OpenRowSet Fails In SQL 2005 Even When Ad Hoc Allowed

I have a Windows 2003 64-bit server running SQL 2005. I am trying to run an OpenRowSet query, but I am getting ""cannot create instance of linked server" (null)" The OpenRowSet I am trying to run was running perfectly fine on the same machine before we moved to SQL 2005 and runs fine on many other machines - so I do not think it is an issue with the openrowset itself.

When I've had his issue on other machines, I have run the following:







sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;

GO

RECONFIGURE;

GO

sp_configure €˜Ad Hoc Distributed Queries€™, 1;

GO

RECONFIGURE;

GO

And I could then run the Ad Hoc queries fine. But, when I try on this machine, I get the SQL error message:

"The configuration option does not exist, or it may be an advanced option."

I looked at the settings in SQL Server Surface Area Configuration and Ad Hoc was selected; so it should be working. I am logged in as Administrator and have sysAdmin permissions in the SQL database. I'm not sure where else to look or what I am missing.

I've looked many places on the web and have tried many 'solutions' without effect.

Any thoughts??