SQL Server: Cannot Connect to remote SQL Server

The following error occurs:

SQL Server: Cannot connect to remote sql server instance using SQL Server Management Studio

Possible causes

Check the following:

  • Make sure the SQL Server Browser service is running. It will be listening on UDP port 1434 if it is active.
  • Check the firewall.
  • In SQL Server Configuration Manager, check that TCP/IP is enabled.
  • If receiving login failed errors, see Understanding Login Failed error messages on the Microsoft Developers Network.