SQL SERVER – FIX : ERROR : (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 – Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: )

 SQL SERVER – FIX : ERROR : (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 – Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: )

Checklist in case of above error

#1. SQL Server service must be running.

Go to All Programs >> Microsoft SQL Server 2008 >> Configuration Tools >> SQL Server Configuration Manager >> SQL Server Services, and check if SQL Server service status is “Running”.

#2. TCP/IP enabled.

When two or more SQL Servers are connected across network they do all communication using TCP/IP. The default port of SQL Server installation is 1433. This port can be changed through SQL Server Configuration Manager. TCP/IP should be enabled for SQL Server to be connected.

#3. Add Port  in Windows Firewall on SQL Server instance.

Go to Control Panel >> Windows Firewall >> Change Settings >> Exceptions  >> Add Port

#4 Enable Remote Connection

In order to connect to machine other than local we need to enable remote connection on instance.

#5 Enable SQL Server Browser service