Is it possible to remote connect to SQL Server 2008 database with SQL Server Management Studio 2005? I have SQL Server Management Studio 2005 R2 in my administrator PC, and SQL Server Management Studio 2008 in the Server PC. Each time I tried to connect to the database server (SSMS 2008), it will throw errors that indicated I have different version of database or the software or else (db instance some said?).

I had search the internet. The most correct solution was to use Cumulative update package 5 for SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 2 to connect to 2008.

But my questions is, is there any other solution that doesn't need me to update or install any patch for the SSMS 2005 ? Maybe like tweaks or any other fast solution ? Any comments appreciated! Thanks!
If you are experiencing the problems that are documented as being fixed by installing that update, then there is unlikely to be another way to fix the problem while still keeping that version of the tool.

You don't say why you'd prefer not to install the update. Are you trying to keep yourself at that backwards level to stay specifically identical to a client installation or do you just not have admin rights on the machine so have to get someone else involved to apply the patch?

If you do have access to install software, another option might be to install SSMS 2016 which these days is distributed (for free) separately of the SQL Server engine and other parts and can be install side-by-side with older versions. SSMS 2016 can be obtained from https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt238290.aspx


  it will throw errors that indicated


When describing a problem or asking for help it is important not to skimp on details that you have which might give clues to people trying to help. As such you should provide the text of the error messages you have received, otherwise in this case we don't know if they are the sort of problem the update fixes or indicate another problem that needs a different fix. Help us to help you.