SQL Server (SSMS) not listing all of the network servers

Giacomo Raucci 316 Reputation points
2023-02-04T01:57:36.94+00:00

Using SSMS on the network server (which contains the network server DB) and laptop workstations, when executing SSMS on the network server, it only lists itself when selecting "Browse for more on the "Server Name" pull-down menu. However, when executing SSMS on any of the workstations, it lists all of the databases, those from the other workstations as well as the network server's DB. The laptop connection to the Server's DB was working; however, recently (for unknown reason), the connection fails (from the laptop to the server DB).

Using SSMS 18.11.1 on the network server DB, using SSMS 17.7 on the laptops.

Any suggestions?

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SQL Server
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  1. CosmogHong-MSFT 22,781 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2023-02-06T07:19:43.4933333+00:00

    Hi @Giacomo Raucci

    Not sure what reason causes this issue. Is your SQL Server Browser service running? And check the windows firewall.

    Try troubleshooting follow by this blog:

    Desired SQL server Not Listed in the available Servers List

    Best regards,

    Cosmog Hong

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  1. Erland Sommarskog 100.9K Reputation points MVP
    2023-02-04T10:40:39.8933333+00:00

    I don't really understand. First you talk about listing servers, and I assume that you are talking about this dialog:

    User's image

    But then you say "SSMS on any of the workstations, it lists all of the databases, those from the other workstations". Did you mean to say "lists all servers"? Or are you talking about a different dialog?

    Assuming that you are talking about the dialog above, that browse function is not very reliable, and I never use it myself. Just type the name of the server you want to connect to.

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  2. Giacomo Raucci 316 Reputation points
    2023-02-07T11:18:55.79+00:00

    Thank you very much. That was it: The Windows firewall was turned ON. The Windows firewall was turned on (I think it was due to a Windows update) since I know that I previously turned it OFF. Although I know there are risks have the Windows firewall turned off; however, I have a standalone LAN. Again, thank you very much.

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