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Hi,
You may get help from below link:
Regards,
I keep getting this massage when I try to connect to the SQL server
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Kh. K
0
Reputation points
TITLE: Connect to Server
Cannot connect to DESKTOP-Q0NAI1F\SQLEXPRESS.
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: https://docs.microsoft.com/sql/relational-databases/errors-events/mssqlserver--1-database-engine-error
BUTTONS:
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SQL Server | Other
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Seeya Xi-MSFT 16,661 Reputation points2023-02-15T08:35:32.1766667+00:00 Hi @Kh. K,
We have not received a response from you. Did the reply could help you? If the response helped, do "Accept Answer". If it doesn't work, please let us know the progress. By doing so, it will benefit all community members who are having this similar issue. Your contribution is highly appreciated.
Best regards,
Seeya
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Seeya Xi-MSFT 16,661 Reputation points
2023-02-16T08:02:27.36+00:00 Hi @Kh. K,
In order to benefit all community members who are having this similar issue, please choose an answer to accept or vote for the answer you think is useful to you. Your contribution is highly appreciated.
Best regards,
Seeya
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3 answers
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Erland Sommarskog 122.4K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator2023-02-13T22:33:26.0666667+00:00 This means that the SQL Server instance you are trying to connect to is not running or does not exist at all. There could also be firewalls in place. You can try this troubleshooter.
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Seeya Xi-MSFT 16,661 Reputation points
2023-02-14T02:55:43.28+00:00 Hi @Kh. K,
That Microsoft document Erland posted is very comprehensive.
Step 1：Verify that the instance is running
Step 2: Verify that the SQL Server Browser service is runningStep 3: Verify the server name in the connection string
Step 4: Verify the aliases on the client machines
Step 5: Verify the firewall configuration
Step 6: Verify the enabled protocols on SQL Server
Step 7: Test TCP/IP connectivity
Step 8: Test local connection
Step 9: Test remote connectionBest regards,
Seeya
If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".