I was working with a vendor for some specialty software, they could install the software but were not able to configure SQL… though the software is heavily integrated with SQL.

I have to admit, I am not too familiar with SQL so troubleshooting it, I have to utilize my Google fu…

Error:

_“Error: Test connection to the database server has failed because of network problems:

[DBNETLIB][ConnectionOpen (Connect()).]SQL Server does not exist or access denied.”_

Fix:

  1. Login to the server -> Start -> All Programs -> Microsoft SQL Server -> Configuration Tools -> SQL Server Configuration Manager -> SQL Server Network Configuration -> Protocols for MSSQLSERVER -> right click “TCP/IP” and select “Enable”.

  2. Start -> Run -> type “services.msc” -> Restart SQL service.

PROTIP:

Also check a service called ‘SQL Server Browser‘ and make sure it is running…