TCP/IP is disabled by default in Microsoft SQL Server 2014

When setting up a new SharePoint farm, I always like to follow best practice and use an alias to connect to my SQL server. This past week I was setting up a single server development farm using Microsoft SQL Server 2014 and ran into the following errors while trying to connect to SQL Server after I had created my alias.

Attempting to connect to my SQL alias (sql-alias) I got the following error:

No connection could be made because the target machine actively refused it

Habanero, SQL Server, TCP

Attempting to connect locally using the FQDN I got the following error:

Access is denied

Habanero, SQL Server, TCP

Attempting to connect locally using hostname:

Success

Habanero, SQL Server, TCP

The reason for the connection issues above is that the TCP/IP protocol is disabled by default in SQL Server 2014.

Habanero, SQL Server, TCP

To enable the TCP/IP protocol in SQL Server 2014, follow these steps:

  1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager
  2. Expand “SQL Server Network Configuration” and click on “Protocols for MSSQLSERVER”
  3. Right click on “TCP/IP” and choose “Enable”
  4. Click “OK” on the Warning that the service will have to be restarted
  5. Click on “SQL Server Services”
  6. Right click on “SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) and choose “Restart”

You should now be able to connect to your SQL server using FQDN or a properly configured SQL alias.

Habanero, SQL Server, TCP

Stories say it best.

Are you ready to make your workplace awesome? We're keen to hear what you have in mind.

Interested in learning more about the work we do?

Explore our culture and transformation services.

Our commitment to reconciliation

Learn how Habanero is responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action as a settler-owned company operating on Indigenous territories across what is now called Canada.

Read about our commitment