Forum Discussion
Cannot connect Database Engine in SQL Management Studio
TITLE: Connect to Server
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Cannot connect to ADMIRAL\SQLEXPRESS.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was 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 Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: -1)
For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft%20SQL%20Server&Evtsrc=MSSQLServer&EvtID=-1&LinkId=20476
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BUTTONS:
OK
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I have tried inbound rules for all ports in my firewall but did not work.
In SQL Configuration Manager: everything is enabled and SQL Server, SQL Browser and SQL Agent are running.
I have also tried deleting IPV6 from msmdredir
I don't know whats left or what is happening.
Need some support please.
Moreover, I am using Latest Sql Management studio and SQL Server.
Bhrigwish Are you connecting using SQL Login or Windows NT?
Try checking if the SQL Service is running. You can also check from the service the name of your Instance which is usually written inside a parenthesis like SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) "Ooops you've checked this already"
Have you tried using IP Address? e.g. 192.168.1.1\SQLEXPRESS
Also, try pinging your SQL Server if there's a reply.
