DB2 and Windows and the missing database

I was guiding a client through a process of setting up a new database within DB2 11.1 on a Windows Server 2012 R2 box ....

I'd had them run this command: -

db2cmd.exe

and then: -

set DB2INSTANCE=SKLMDB30

and then: -

db2 list db directory

BUT no databases were displayed, even though we KNEW that they existed, and that they could "see" the database from within WebSphere Application Server, via the JDBC data source Test Connection button.

Some fiddling about ensued ....

... and then inspiration struck me.

This is Windows, right ?

So, let's try running the db2cmd.exe command as Administrator

Yep, that did it.

If in doubt ......