How do I configure the SQL 2005 Server Native Client connection protocol?

To connect to a remote MS SQL Server 2005 over the Internet using SQL clients (SQL 2005 Management Studio, sqlcmd.exe, etc), you will need to enable TCP/IP client protocol. To enable TCP/IP as the client protocol, follow the steps below.
  1. Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager (Start -> Programs -> Microsoft SQL Server 2005 -> Configuration Tools -> SQL Server Configuration Manager)
  2. Expand SQL Native Client Configuration
  3. Click on Client Protocols
  4. On the right pane, right click on TCP/IP and select Order. The Client Protocols Properties Dialogue Box will be displayed.
  5. In the Client Protocols Properties Dialogue Box, make sure TCP/IP is in the Enabled Protocols list. If not, move TCP/IP to the Enabled Protocols list.
  6. Move TCP/IP to the top of the list in the Enabled Protocols text box
  7. Click OK

Article ID: 195, Created On: 11/13/2008, Modified: 5/25/2010