Error Fix - A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 28 – Server doesn’t support requested protocol) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: -1)

After a long time I face above error when I have configured new Microsoft SQL Server 2005 instance in my one of the computer and tried to access it from other computer in network from Asp.Net web application. This is really annoying error but the solution for this error is really quite simple. I knew where to go and that is why I fixed it in even less than 2 minutes but I thought it might be helpful to my reader.

If you want to connect via TCP/IP to remote Microsoft SQL Server and it shows below given error:

Error Fix: 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: 28 – Server doesn’t support requested protocol) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: -1)

You have to go to:

Start->All Programs->Microsoft SQL Server 2005->Configuration Tools-> SQL Server Surface area configurations

Once you click on “SQL Server surface area configuration”. It will open one dialog box, you have to click on “Surface are configurations for services and connections”.

Now, you are on track, select your instance of SQL Server,->Database Engine->Remote Connections.

You will find two options here.

1.)    Local connection only

2.)    Local and remote connection.

Select second option, click on “Apply” button and then “OK” button . That’s it,  You are done, now, restart your service and enjoy your connection.

Reference: Ritesh Shah
http://www.sqlhub.com
Note: Microsoft Books online is a default reference of all articles but examples and explanations prepared by Ritesh Shah, founder of http://www.SQLHub.com