how to connect to sql server 2008 (R2) on same workgroup on intranet

Question

I am trying to connect to sql server R2 instance on same workgroup but I get (error: 26 - Error locating server/instance specified).

please Assume I have pc pc1 and pc2 with windows 7 network connection pc1 - router - pc2 pc2 has my SQL SERVER 2008 R2 instance

I already followed this link How to connect to SQL Server from another computer?

I did

• allow remote connection on pc2
• enable tcp/ip and set up 1433 port as per "dyslexicanaboko" suggested at above link
• created inbound and outbound rules on pc2 for port 1433 to allow connection
• i could successfully ping pc2's port 1433 from pc1 (using tcping utility)
• i can browse shared folders of pc2 from pc1 (means my workgroup setting is fine)

however i still get error.

Am I still missing something? Does my pc2 needs to be logged in as administrator only in order for pc1 to connect? Or Can a non admin user work on pc2 and I can still connect using pc1?

please be specific... thanks

Answer 1

Have you tried turning off windows firewall in your server box altogether?

I find windows 7 firewall UI pretty confusing compared to XP, sometimes I have more luck just turning it off altogether and attempting a connection to check if that is where the problem is.

In fact, try turning it off on both pc1 and pc2 machines.

Answer 2

Is this a named instance? If so, you need to ensure port 1434 (the default port for SQL Server Browser) is open and listening.

Also, if it is a named instance, you need to ensure that you have the SQL Server Browser service started. You can do this through the SQL Server Configuration Manager.

Answer 3

well somehow following thing worked without making any other changes after all bulleted list in my question is true

in sql management studio use

• server name: (IP address of pc2) works , no need to have parenthesis

  OR

• server name: (COMPUTERNAME of pc2) works , no need to have parenthesis

BOTH OF THESE DO NOT WORK

• (IPaddress of pc2)/(name of sql server instance)
• (COMPUTERNAME of pc2)/(name of sql instance)

other answers

Does my pc2 needs to be logged in as administrator only in order for pc1 to connect? NO

Or Can a non admin user work on pc2 and I can still connect using pc1? YES

pc2 can be be simply turned on without anybody logged in provided the SQL SERVER service is turned on