SQL Server 2008 R2 Express will not allow connection

  • We just installed SQL Server 2008 R2 Express on to a server. The server is called CRHADBSRV\SQLExpress. The SQL Server runs under a domain account called crstha\sqlservice.

    I have installed Studio Manager on several desktops but cannot connect to it. Where to I start diagnosing this issue.

    Purely fustrated!!!

    Thank you

    Art Lorenzini

  • There are a few things to check. Have you enabled the TCP/IP protocol for the instance? For a thorough walkthrough of possible issues, check out this blog post of mine: http://sqlsalt.blogspot.com/2012/03/network-related-or-instance-specific.html



    Twitter: @SQLife
    Email: sqlsalt(at)outlook(dot)com

  • Yes we have enabled the TCP protocol and set the port to 1433. Also created a Inbound rule for it.

  • OH and one more thing. When you are in studio manager and you are going to connect to the server by using the Server drop down list and if you crows for network servers. It shows up as CRHADBSrv and not CRHADBSRV\SQLEXPRESS even though you cannot connect to either one.

  • What is missing from the description of your problem is the error message you are getting while trying to connect to the instance of SQL Server Express. Without all the information all you are going to get are simply shots in the dark.

  • dbalorenzini (6/12/2012)


    OH and one more thing. When you are in studio manager and you are going to connect to the server by using the Server drop down list and if you crows for network servers. It shows up as CRHADBSrv and not CRHADBSRV\SQLEXPRESS even though you cannot connect to either one.

    SQL Server Express (by default) installs as a named instance SQLEXPRESS. If you just use the server name, you will be trying to connect to a default instance, and most likely that wouldn't be it. I know you said you tried both, but if you just did CRHADBSRV, and you didn't change SQLEXPRESS to be a default instance in the installation process that wouldn't be it.



    Twitter: @SQLife
    Email: sqlsalt(at)outlook(dot)com

  • The error reads when trying to connect to CRHAdbSRV\SQLEXPRESS

    "A network-related or instance-specific error occured while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server is not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider; SQL Network Interface, error: 26 - Error locating server/Instance specified) (Microsoft SQL Server)

    The error reads when trying to connect to CRHADBSRV:

    "A network-related or instance-specific error occured while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server is not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider; Name Pipes, error: 40-Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error:2)

  • Looking at the link you gave me, mainly this:

    Connecting to a Named Instance requires going through a SQL Server service: the SQL Server Browser service to be exact. This service, as mentioned above, runs on port 1434. If this service is not started, you simply won’t be able to connect to a Named Instance.

    For some reason the SQL Server Browser is disabled and all options are grey out.

  • Figured out how to get the browser enabled so it is now currently runnning. But still not connecting.

  • Check that the SQL Server Express is configured to accept remote connections.

  • Where do I do that at?

  • Yes, it is configured to accept remote connections.

  • So is there anymore ideas. I am really stuck, any ideas will be appreciated.

  • dbalorenzini (6/13/2012)


    So is there anymore ideas. I am really stuck, any ideas will be appreciated.

    Is port 1434 (UDP) open on the firewall? That's the port that the SQL Server Browser uses by default.



    Twitter: @SQLife
    Email: sqlsalt(at)outlook(dot)com

  • Finally got it working. The issue was the firewall. I followed the steps in the following Microsoft article:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968872

    Thanks for everybodies input.

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 18 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply