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Unable to Connect to SQL Server in SQL Server Management Studio

This document will outline the steps to connect to the SQL Server in SQL Server Management Studio when you get a connection error.

When launching SQL Server Management Studio, you are prompted to connect to a server. After selecting your server name and clicking on the connect button, you get the following error message:

 
Screenshot of SQL Server error message: Cannot connect to SQL.
 
To resolve the issue, follow the steps below.
  1. In the Connect to Server window, make sure you have the correct server name for your course. Then click on the Options >> button.

    Screen clipping of Connect to Server window with and arrow pointing to the "Options" button.

  2. Under the Connection Properties tab, click on the drop-down arrow in the Connect to database: field and select <Browse server…>

    Screen clipping of the Connect to Server window with "Connection Properties" tab highlighted and an arrow pointing to "Browse server" selection.

  3. In the next window, click Yes

    Screen clipping of Yes and No buttons.

  4. In the Browse Server for Database window, select the database you will be using for your course. Note: If you are unsure what database to select, you can select the master database as your default database. Click OK to save your selection.

    Screen clipping of "Browse Servers for Database."

  5. In the Connect to Server window, click the Connect button.

    Screen clipping of "Connect to Server" window with "Connect" button highlighted.

  6. You are now connected to the server.

    Screenshot of SQL Server Studio.
If you are still having issues connecting to the SQL server, please contact us by phone at 1-877-724-7883 or submit a ticket on our website.