The easiest way to resolve this issue is to run the following form the Query Analyzer from the Master Database:

 

Exec Master.dbo.Sp_Configure 'Show Advanced Options', 1

Reconfigure

Exec Master.dbo.Sp_Configure 'XP_CmdShell', 1

Reconfigure

 

A message similar to the one below will appear:

 

Configuration option 'show advanced options' changed from 1 to 1. Run the RECONFIGURE statement to install.

Configuration option 'xp_cmdshell' changed from 1 to 1. Run the RECONFIGURE statement to install.

 

For a GUI interface you can use the Surface Area Configuration tool by following the steps below:

 

1. Open the “Microsoft SQL Server 2005” program group.

2. Open the “Configuration Tools” subgroup.

3. Start the “SQL Server Surface Area Configuration” tool.

4. At the bottom of the SQL Server 2005 Surface Area Configuration task menu select: “Surface Area Configuration for Features”

5. Expand “MSSQLSERVER” and then expand “Database Engine” if needed.

6. Select “xp_cmdshell” and select the check box to “Enable xp_cmdshell” and finally click “OK” and close the window.