How to fix error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified

Question

How to fix it, this is my own computer. When I first open it, it works. But when I re-open it, it didn't with the same setting!

Answer 1

Hi @Kai Lin

A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server

Regarding this issue, this doc provides some steps to help you troubleshoot this issue.

Best regards,

Cosmog

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Answer 2

The error message means that SSMS was not able to find the SQL Server instance you were trying to connect to. There are many possible reasons. Here is a sample:

• Fat-fingering the server and / or the instance name.
• SQL Server is not running.
• There is not SQL Server at all installed on the machine.
• Firewall blocking the way.

Since we don't know your environment, we cannot easily point to the exact cause in your case. But use this troubleshooter to investigate.