How do I fix the error 'Named Pipes Provider, error 40 - Could not open a connection to' SQL Server'?

Question

I can\'t seem to connect to my database from a site. I get this error:

Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server

Answer 1

I tried using the local IP address to connect as well as a public one. I've tried:

Yes, the site can communicate with the server Named pipes/TCP is enabled. Remote connections are allowed. Windows Firewall is off Created an exception for port 1433 in Windows Firewall. Enabled everything in SQL Server Configuration Manager.

i ensured and did the above as well and I just want to share that the DOUBLE BACKSLASH

oBuilder.DataSource = "SPECIFICPCNAME\SQLEXPRESS";

Using a SINGLE BACKSLASH resulted into a build error i.e.: Error 1 Unrecognized escape sequence

I hope this helps the next guy - I've sacrificed dinner, midnight snack and NBA highlights time solving this (shame)

Thanks to [Tamizh venthan] ^_^