Dear Expert,

I have a problem and i hope to get assistance.

My problem as follows, I have a .NET database application and i want to run the application on multiple PCs connecting to a central database located on MS SQL Server 2005 Express .
I want to test the application on virtual machines , so i did created two virtual machines the first one named "STATION1" and it has SQL Server installed and the second one named "STATION2" which represents the database client.

With the regard network connectivity, I did tested it by using shared folders and i did make sure that this shared folder are accessible by both PCs, when I came to database server connectivity test, things didn't were ok; when i tried to connect to SQL server through STATION2 using SSMS express and when i browse network servers i get an entry named STATION1 without the instance name which in my case the default name "SQLEXPRESS" and when i do press connect button a get the following error message:

TITLE: Connect to Server
------------------------------
Cannot connect to STATION1.
------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 2)
For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&EvtSrc=MSSQLS erver&EvtID=2&LinkId=20476
------------------------------
BUTTONS:
OK
------------------------------

And if i type the server name followed by instance name "STATION1\SQLEXPRESS" i get the following error message:

TITLE: Connect to Server
------------------------------
Cannot connect to STATION1\sqlexpress.
------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: -1)
For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&EvtSrc=MSSQLS erver&EvtID=-1&LinkId=20476
------------------------------
BUTTONS:
OK
------------------------------

I cann't connect to SQL server over the network even though i did enabled remote connections to this instance by both of TCP/IP and Named Pipes protocols using SQL Server surface area configuration.

Additional note about checking network connectivity when i press connect i notice that the network icon to the both of virtual machines are flashing this indicates about network activity.
In short, my problem in my opinion with the SQL Server itself not any thing else, so please any one reads this; please share me with your knowledge and thanks in advance.

__________________
John Rambo

Did you check for proxies or firewall that not allow the connection to be met?? Maybe it's an issue with virtual machines.. did you google about it???

__________________
HTH

Gonzalo

================================================== =========
Read this if you want to know how to get a correct reply for your question.
(Took that from Doug signature and he Took that from Peter profile)
================================================== =========
My programs achieved a new certification :
WORKS ON MY MACHINE
================================================== =========
I know that CVS was evil, and now i got the proof.
================================================== =========

Dear Gonzalo,

First I would like to thank you for your replay.

And second I pleased to get a replay for argentinian because i'm a big fan to argentina football and players , and i'm so sad for the poor status for this team now and i hope a good luck in the match against uruguay in the 14th of this month because i cann't imagine world cup without the Tangoo team.

In the regard on my problem, I'm sure it's not firewall issue because i can see the server name and i can't see the instance !

__________________
John Rambo

That you can see the server doesn't meant that you don't have to test for firewall or proxy connections between virtual instances. Since they are virtual, they have virtual network cards, and they can be configured wrong, not allowing the connection.

And we will be on the CUP! (or at least we hope to).

__________________
HTH

Gonzalo

================================================== =========
Read this if you want to know how to get a correct reply for your question.
(Took that from Doug signature and he Took that from Peter profile)
================================================== =========
My programs achieved a new certification :
WORKS ON MY MACHINE
================================================== =========
I know that CVS was evil, and now i got the proof.
================================================== =========

Dear gbianchi,

I tested the firewall and you was right! , so i did disabled the firewall for local area connection and every thing worked OK.

Thank you very much for your help.

__________________
John Rambo