Connecting to Remote SQL Server Instance

From time to time, we need to connect to remote SQL Server 2005 instances. Connecting to a local SQL Server instance is simple but if you have made a fresh SQL Server installation and you try to connect it remotely, chances are that your attempt may fail.

You might think that this can be a simple task. All you have to do is simply check the "Allow Remote Connection" under the properties of the particular SQL Server instance. However, this will still not work.

The solution is to use SQL Server Configuration Manager. You can do so by clicking on Start -> Programs -> Microsoft SQL Server -> Configuration Tools -> SQL Server Configuration Manager. When the manager opens up, in the right pane, click on SQL Native Client Configuration -> Client Protocols. In the right pane, right click Named Pipes and select 'Enable'.

Thats all you need. Now when you connect to the remote instance, you will do so without any difficulty.

Hope this helps. Stay tunned for more...