Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server
This error was most frequently hitted by our customers, and in this post, give a brief summary of troubleshooting tips for this specific error message.
First, take a look at below MSDN forum link lists about this topic:
https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=192622&SiteID=1
https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1287189&SiteID=1
https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=348662&SiteID=1
https://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1334187&SiteID=17
https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1292357&SiteID=1
https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=136253&SiteID=1
https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=322792&SiteID=1
https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=763875&SiteID=1
The various causes fall into five categories:
1 Incorrect connection string, such as using SqlExpress.
2 NP was not enabled on the SQL instance.
3 Remote connection was not enabled.
4 Server not started, or point to not a real server in your connection string.
5 Other reasons such as incorrect security context.
Let's go throught the detail one by one:
I. Incorrect connection string, such as using SqlExpress.
Check out: https://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=558456&SiteID=17
https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1245564&SiteID=1
The typical error when dealing with Express includes:
a. User is not aware of SqlExpress was installed as a named instance, consequently, in his/her connection string, he/she only specify ".","localhost" etc instead of ".SqlExpress" or "<machinename>Sqlexpress".
b. Np was disabld by default after installing SqlExpress.
c. If Sqlexpress was installed on the remote box, you need to enable remote connection for Express.
Please read the following blog for best practice of connecting to SqlExpress.
https://blogs.msdn.com/sql_protocols/archive/2006/03/23/558651.aspx
II. NP was not enabled on the SQL instance.
Check out: https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=136253&SiteID=1
Oppose to SQL 2000 which turn on all protocols, SQL 2005 SKUs turn off NP by default. So, when you see this error, please check:
1) Go to SQL Server Configuration Manager, See Server has NP enabled.
2) %windir%program filesmicrosoft sql servermssql.1mssqllog, notepad ERRORLOG, see whether Server is listening on NP. You should see "Server named pipe provider is ready to accept connection on [ \.pipesqlquery ] or [\.pipemssql$<InstanceName>sqlquery]"
3) Notice that "sqlquery" is the default pipe name, so you need to know server is listening on which pipe name. eg: if you specify server pipe name is "sqlquery1", then you would see in the errorlog that server listening on [ \.pipesqlquery1 ], and go to SQL Server Configuration Manager, click client Named Pipe properties, see whether the pipe name is same with the one server listening on.
4) If you are using SQL Native Client ODBC/OLEDB provider({SQL Native Client} or SQLNCLI), go to SQL Configuration Manager, click client protocols, make sure NP and TCP are both enabled. Right click properties of NP, make sure client is using the same pipe name as server for connection.
5) If you are using MDAC ODBC/OLEDB({SQL Server} or SQLOLEDB) provider, in command line, launch "cliconfg.exe" and make sure NP enabled and right pipe name specified.
III. Remote connection was not enabled.
Check out: https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=322792&SiteID=1
https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=763875&SiteID=1
If you are making a remote connection, namely, your target SQL Server is on the different box as client application, you might need to check whether:
a. "File and Printer Sharing" was opened in Firewall exception list.
b. Please see the blog for enabling remote connection for express and troubleshooting tips of remote connection.
https://blogs.msdn.com/sql_protocols/archive/2005/11/14/492616.aspx
IV. Server not started, or point to not a real server in your connection string.
Check out: https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=348662&SiteID=1
a. use "sc query mssqlserver" for default instance or "sc query mssql$<instancename>" to make sure SQL Server was started. Sometimes, reseason behind the broken of your client application w/ this error:40 might be SQL server restarted and failed, so, it'd better for you to double check.
b. User specified wrong server in their connection string, as described in the forum discussion, "MSSQLSERVER" is an invalid instance name. Remember, when you connect to default instance, <machinename> could be best representitive for the instance, when you connect to a named instance such as sqlexpress, you should specify <machinename><instancename> as data source in your connection string.
V. Other reasons such as incorrect security context.
Check out: https://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=192622&SiteID=1
Such error also occured during user operation such as moving database or db mirroring or cluster, any DB OP that might invovle different sql instances, namely, the destination database is located in another sql instance and user is not aware of the state of the destination. I recommend you first isolate whether this fail is during connection stage or data operation stage.
a. During data operation, you are normally asked to type in the destination server name whether it is default to "(local)" or another server "<remotemachinename>". So, remember the exact string that represent the target instance, then when the error repros, open command line, use "sqlcmd -S<representitive> -E" ,see what happens, if the connection fail, please follow up above I - IV troubleshooting lists. otherwise continue.
b. If you can make basic conection, but still face the error, then there must be something that server reject the connection or client close the connection for some reason.
Summary, give checklist:
1. Is your target server started?
2. Is your target server listening on NP? Which Pipe?
3. Has your client enabled NP? Use the same pipe to connect as Server?
4. Are you making local connection? If so, what is the instance, default or remote?
5. Did you put correct instance name in the connection string? Remember, Sqlexpress is a named instance.
6. Did you enable remote connection? Firewall? IPSec? "File and Printer Sharing" opened? Can access server?
7. Can you make basic connection by using <servername> or <servername><instancename>? Use sqlcmd or osql.
8. What is your repro step? What was your client APP doing during this error occuring? Which DB operation, detail?
MING LU
SQL Server Protocols
Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights
Comments
Anonymous
April 10, 2007
Hi, I am trying to connect SQL2005 from my local machine. I am getting following error... An error has occurred while establishing a connection to the server. When connecting to SQL Server 2005, this failure may be caused by the fact that under the default settings SQL Server does not allow remote connections. (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified) (.Net SqlClient Data Provider) I have checked tcp/ip setting, browser service, firewall on target as well as my local machine. I have sql2005 client with sp1, windows xp with sp2. I am able to connect, register few different sql2005 servers. I have uninstall an reinsall sql2005. Can you please help me?Anonymous
May 24, 2007
Did you find an answer for your problem? I have the same problem. I was able to use it. I had to reinstall express, the only difference is I put a check mark for user instance. I get this error: (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified) (.Net SqlClient Data ProviderAnonymous
May 28, 2007
im really confused because ive tried all the steps ive come accross on forumns and i still am not able to run the sql server 2005 express service. I am posting my error log for this program. Hope someone can help. Here is the log 2007-05-29 01:19:20.77 Server Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - 9.00.1399.06 (Intel X86) Oct 14 2005 00:33:37 Copyright (c) 1988-2005 Microsoft Corporation Express Edition on Windows NT 5.1 (Build 2600: Service Pack 2) 2007-05-29 01:19:20.79 Server (c) 2005 Microsoft Corporation. 2007-05-29 01:19:20.79 Server All rights reserved. 2007-05-29 01:19:20.80 Server Server process ID is 5860. 2007-05-29 01:19:20.80 Server Logging SQL Server messages in file 'G:Program FilesMicrosoft SQL ServerMSSQL.1MSSQLLOGERRORLOG'. 2007-05-29 01:19:20.85 Server This instance of SQL Server last reported using a process ID of 5704 at 5/29/2007 1:18:29 AM (local) 5/28/2007 8:18:29 PM (UTC). This is an informational message only; no user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:19:20.85 Server Registry startup parameters: 2007-05-29 01:19:20.87 Server -d G:Program FilesMicrosoft SQL ServerMSSQL.1MSSQLDATAmaster.mdf 2007-05-29 01:19:20.87 Server -e G:Program FilesMicrosoft SQL ServerMSSQL.1MSSQLLOGERRORLOG 2007-05-29 01:19:20.87 Server -l G:Program FilesMicrosoft SQL ServerMSSQL.1MSSQLDATAmastlog.ldf 2007-05-29 01:19:21.34 Server SQL Server is starting at normal priority base (=7). This is an informational message only. No user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:19:21.34 Server Detected 1 CPUs. This is an informational message; no user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:19:29.96 Server Using dynamic lock allocation. Initial allocation of 2500 Lock blocks and 5000 Lock Owner blocks per node. This is an informational message only. No user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:19:51.45 Server Database Mirroring Transport is disabled in the endpoint configuration. 2007-05-29 01:19:54.76 spid5s Starting up database 'master'. 2007-05-29 01:19:59.72 spid5s Recovery is writing a checkpoint in database 'master' (1). This is an informational message only. No user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:20:07.72 spid5s SQL Trace ID 1 was started by login "sa". 2007-05-29 01:20:08.52 spid5s Starting up database 'mssqlsystemresource'. 2007-05-29 01:20:16.19 spid8s Starting up database 'model'. 2007-05-29 01:20:16.25 spid5s Server name is 'BOYSQLEXPRESS'. This is an informational message only. No user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:20:16.39 spid5s Starting up database 'msdb'. 2007-05-29 01:20:19.85 spid8s Clearing tempdb database. 2007-05-29 01:20:27.24 spid8s Starting up database 'tempdb'. 2007-05-29 01:20:31.82 spid5s Recovery is complete. This is an informational message only. No user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:20:32.36 spid11s The Service Broker protocol transport is disabled or not configured. 2007-05-29 01:20:32.44 spid11s The Database Mirroring protocol transport is disabled or not configured. 2007-05-29 01:20:33.22 Server A self-generated certificate was successfully loaded for encryption. 2007-05-29 01:20:34.94 spid11s Service Broker manager has started. 2007-05-29 01:20:35.29 Server Server is listening on [ 'any' <ipv6> 1026]. 2007-05-29 01:20:35.52 Server Server is listening on [ 'any' <ipv4> 1026]. 2007-05-29 01:20:36.21 Server Server local connection provider is ready to accept connection on [ .pipeSQLLocalSQLEXPRESS ]. 2007-05-29 01:20:36.21 Server Server local connection provider is ready to accept connection on [ .pipeMSSQL$SQLEXPRESSsqlquery ]. 2007-05-29 01:20:37.03 Server Dedicated administrator connection support was not started because it is not available on this edition of SQL Server. This is an informational message only. No user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:20:37.39 Server The SQL Network Interface library could not register the Service Principal Name (SPN) for the SQL Server service. Error: 0x54b. Failure to register an SPN may cause integrated authentication to fall back to NTLM instead of Kerberos. This is an informational message. Further action is only required if Kerberos authentication is required by authentication policies. 2007-05-29 01:20:37.40 Server SQL Server is now ready for client connections. This is an informational message; no user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:20:40.97 spid11s Service Broker manager has shut down. 2007-05-29 01:20:42.69 spid5s SQL Server is terminating in response to a 'stop' request from Service Control Manager. This is an informational message only. No user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:20:42.69 spid5s SQL Trace was stopped due to server shutdown. Trace ID = '1'. This is an informational message only; no user action is required. 2007-05-29 01:20:43.23 Server The SQL Network Interface library could not deregister the Service Principal Name (SPN) for the SQL Server service. Error: 0x54b. Administrator should deregister this SPN manually to avoid client authentication errors.Anonymous
June 25, 2007
I have been working on to reslove this for the last 4 days. Still no clues. I had tried all the possibilities...strange !!! Any one who has the solution, pls post it. TIA,
- Anand.
Anonymous
June 25, 2007
The comment has been removedAnonymous
July 21, 2007
The comment has been removedAnonymous
July 24, 2007
The comment has been removedAnonymous
July 29, 2007
clear all the log from the log events frm service manager and try to enable the serviceAnonymous
November 15, 2007
thx for ur tips......i got the solutionsAnonymous
November 28, 2007
In the end... What is the solution to this problem?Anonymous
November 28, 2007
I found the solution. The SQL port - 1433 - needs to be included as part of Data Source on the connection string: ...Data Source=mysqlserverinstance1,1433;... That did it for me.Anonymous
November 28, 2007
This error kept me busy all morning and part of the afternoon: An error has occurred while establishing a connection to the server. When connecting to SQL Server 2005, this failure may be cause ...Anonymous
May 03, 2008
If you did everything above and it still doesn't work, check that Windows Firewall is ON, it fixed my problem when I turned it on. ;)Anonymous
May 26, 2008
On corporate network, if using corporate domain login, do not use network service as built-in account. After changing the setting to local system, it works. The change is under: SQL Server Configuration Manager --> SQL Server --> Log on as: Built-in account --> Local SystemAnonymous
July 14, 2008
try starting service SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)Anonymous
August 06, 2008
In my case I could solve it by using the IP address rather than the machine name in the connection string. cheersAnonymous
October 22, 2008
Yo tengo una aplicacion hecha en VB 2005, mi aplicacion la monte en un server 2008 con sql 2005, mi aplicacion hace una busqueda en una base de datos y muestra un GridView mismo que puede paginar la informacion. Puedo ingresar a mi aplicacion (algunos componentes cargan datos de la base de datos), logro hacer la busqueda y el grid view la pagina, el problema es que cuando quiero ver lasiguiente pagina u otra que no sea la primera me manda el error. "Error mientras se establecía la conexión con el servidor. Al conectar con SQL Server 2005, el error se puede producir porque la configuración predeterminada de SQL Server no admite conexiones remotas. (provider: Proveedor de canalizaciones con nombre, error: 40 - No se pudo abrir una conexión con SQL Server) " La opcion de conexiones remotas esta marcada y mi FireWall esta configurado para que permita la conexion, si no fuera asi no me deberia permitir ingresar a mi aplicacion pues mi aplicacion al cargarse utiliza la base de datos. espero me puedan ayudar muchas gracias.Anonymous
November 21, 2008
Thanks for the troubleshooting steps... In my case, I wouldn't have thought the firewall would have been the issue....Anonymous
January 29, 2009
hi all, Well i encountered the same problem, but it was related to SQL Server Agent that wasn't enabled. I got this error while testing some stuff inside SQL Server 2008. I totaly forgot the Agent and didn't pay any attention. Regardz and good luckAnonymous
September 23, 2009
Dear All Unable to insert data from a Form in Visual studio. getting this error re: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server i just installed only SQL server 2005 and Visual Basic Express Edition 2008. i m using a database inside VB 2008 .anyone help me regarding this issueAnonymous
October 01, 2009
The comment has been removedAnonymous
November 11, 2009
the best help on the web. I was about to quit when I ran to this post and viola! My connection string to sqlexpress 2008 had the "source" value just as "." Changing it to ".sqlexpress" did the trick. Now I can connect to the db. It was the very first thing I suspected but didn't quite named the instance this way. I tried mssqlexpress, mssqlserver, blah, blah. Thanks or this valuable help.Anonymous
February 24, 2010
Oooooh.... i have added 1433 as ..Data Source=mysqlserverinstance1,1433;... And it just worked!!! That was so exciting.... thank you very much all!Anonymous
April 22, 2010
Thanks for this helpful post, found it via Google. Turns out my problem was the service was not installed for some reason. Running sc query mssqlserver tells me the service does not exist. I'm now trying a repair-install of SQL in hopes the service will get properly installed. Thanks again!Anonymous
January 09, 2011
Today I have no possibilities to connect to my SQL Server on my laptop. I have connected to my SQL Server for months and today I got an error: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 2) MY id name is vank14u@yahoo.comAnonymous
March 19, 2011
Guys, I have a SQL 200 Server it works fine for most apps. However, I have a .NET 2.0 based application, and it is giving me this error mentioned here. I do not even have any other version of SQL and I am using the default instance. Why does .NET 2.0 realize I have a sql 2000, nothing else.. Please help.Anonymous
May 28, 2011
Thank you it was a connection string problem ur are right :>Anonymous
October 28, 2011
Well I was blind and now I see the light.Anonymous
December 07, 2011
Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 – Could not open a connection to SQL Server watch this video link www.youtube.com/watchAnonymous
December 07, 2011
Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 – Could not open a connection to SQL Server watch this video link www.youtube.com/watch if u like thumb upAnonymous
February 02, 2012
Thank u.... I was struggling to get connected, since I was using only data source = . now made use of .sqlexpress..... Now its working... once again thank u very much...Anonymous
April 05, 2012
Changing datasource to ".sqlexpress" worked for me tooAnonymous
April 24, 2012
This is really help full to my self thank you Microsoft msdnAnonymous
November 15, 2012
...I can connect using SQL SERVER 2005 EXPRESS MANAGEMENT, but NOT connect using VS2008 (SP1)!!!Anonymous
October 02, 2013
rod.sayyah@averydennison.com - most of the blogs mentioned in this page are not accessible or no longer available, where can I go to look at the actual blogs, or is there a detailed steps to check each item?Anonymous
November 16, 2014
Hi All, I have encountered same (Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server) problem today, while tried to connect with SQL Server instance using IP address from local server, i did connect using server name but using IP I didn't. After 1 hour netting and troubleshooting, at last able to connect using IP address. Am sharing with you guys here what I have learned today:
- Check Server firewall (in my server, it was off. If firewall is on, add an Inbound rules and allow sql port)
- Open SQL server Configuration Manager (CM)
- From CM, Expand SQL Server Network Configuration Manager and ensure all the protocols are enabled for each instance.
- Double Click on TCP/IP Protocol and Open TCP/IP Properties
- From Properties window, Choose IP Addresses Tab
- From IP Addresses List, Ensure your server's IP are there and assign your sql port just one down below of IP address. for me, it works. hope it will works for you guys. Thanks Mumin
Anonymous
March 21, 2015
I am having trouble connecting to my SQLEXPRESS 2014. My connection string from VS 2013 is: string CS = "data source=./SqlExpress; database=Sample; integrated security=SSPI"; I tried string CS = "data source=.SqlExpress; database=Sample; integrated security=SSPI"; as well. thanks, PaulAnonymous
September 01, 2015
Enable TCP/IP,Named Pipes in Sql server native client manager in Sql Configuration manager For more info refer below link it may help you microsoft-sql-ssis.blogspot.in/.../how-to-fix-named-pipes-provider-error.html