SQL Server Does Not Exist or Access Denied- 9 Troubleshooting Methods

The error message “dbnetlib connectionopen (connect()). SQL server does not exist or access denied” occurs when trying to connect to the Microsoft SQL Server. It stipulates that the SQL Server database you are attempting to access cannot be found or prevent the connection. However, it is really challenging to identify the exact cause behind the error.

SQL Server Does Not Exist Or Access Denied

Well, in this blog, I will discuss the possible reasons for this error and how to get rid of it by following the step-by-step methods mentioned in this post.

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Quick Fixes:

  1. Check SQL Server Is Running or Not
  2. Check Server Name or Instance Name
  3. Verify the Port Number or Network Connection
  4. Check the Remote Connection Option in SQL Server
  5. Check Port Firewall Exception
  6. Enable SQL Server Browser
  7. Obtaining Permission to Access the Server
  8. IP Address of a SQL Server Has Blocked the Firewall
  9. Reinstall the SQL Server

What Is the Reason SQL Server Does Not Exist or Access Denied?

We cannot blame a single reason for triggering the SQL server does not exist error. There are a wide variety of reasons that can lead to this error message.

Here are some of the common causes:

  1. SQL Server Service isn’t running
  2. Incorrect server name or instance name
  3. Due to the wrong SQL Server port number
  4. Problems with network or firewall
  5. SQL Server might be unresponsive or temporarily down
  6. The IP address is blocked
  7. Browser service of SQL Server is disabled
  8. Corrupted SQL Server installation
  9. Remote connection is disabled for the SQL Server
  10. Insufficient user permission to access the database.

Now, it’s time to troubleshoot this error by applying the corresponding solutions to the reasons mentioned above.

How to Fix SQL Server Does Not Exist Or Access Denied Error Message?

Method 1- Check SQL Server Is Running or Not

The very first tactic that you should try is to check if the SQL server is running or not. In order to check this, you have to follow these steps:

  • Press the Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type the “services.msc” command there.
  • In the opened window, you can check the status of the SQL server.

sql server does not exist or access denied

Method 2- Check Server Name or Instance Name

An incorrect SQL server or instance name is another root cause for dbnetlib connectionopen(connect()). sql_server_does_not_exist_or_access_denied error. So, it is recommended to double-check the server’s name when trying to connect to a Server. In case, you don’t know the correct name of your server, you can look in your SQL Server’s documentation or ask your system administrator.

Method 3- Verify the Port Number or Network Connection

If you’re using the custom port number for your MS SQL Server, then make sure that you specify it in your connection string.

Also, ensure that there are no network problems. Try pinging an SQL Server from the client machine like SQL Server Management Studio to see if it is reachable.

Method 4- Check the Remote Connection Option in SQL Server

As mentioned in the causes, disabled remote connection for Microsoft SQL Server can also lead to SQL server access denied error. Therefore, ensure that the remote connection option is enabled, if it is disabled, follow the below steps to enable it:

  • Open the SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio).
  • Next, connect to the SQL Server where it’s installed using the SSMS.
  • Then, go to the SQL Server instance property>> check the checkbox “Allow remote connection to this server”.

SQL Server Does Not Exist Or Access Denied

Also Read: Convert OR Migrate An Access Database To SQL Server

Method 5- Check Port Firewall Exception

Many users are unaware of the fact that SQL Server instance only works on port 1433, thus you need to ensure that a port exception is added to a firewall.

In order to check this, follow these steps:

  • Go to the Windows search bar, type Control Panel & hit Enter.
  • Then, open the Administrative Tool and choose Windows firewall with Advanced Security

Windows firewall with Advanced Security

  • After that, click on Inbound Rules option from a left panel, and choose New Rule from a right panel.
  • Under the opened window, choose Port >> click Next to proceed.

Windows firewall with Advanced Security

  • Now, enter ‘1433’ in the next tab >> hit on Next.

SQL Server Does Not Exist Or Access Denied

  • In the What action should be taken when a connection matches the specified condition? section, choose Allow the connection >> hit Next.
  • At this time, check the DomainPrivatePublic in which this rule apply section? >> Hit Next.

SQL Server Does Not Exist Or Access Denied

  • Provide the Name >> click on a Finish.

Method 6- Enable SQL Server Browser to Fix SQL Server Does Not Exist or Access Denied

Another option that you can try to troubleshoot SQL server errors is to enable the SQL server browser. To do so:

  • Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager >> choose SQL Server Services from the left panel.
  • Then, right-click on the SQL Server Browser >> select Properties.
  • Now, enable & start the service if required. Make sure to choose Start Mode to Automatic. This will allow the service to automatically start each time the server is restarted.

SQL Server Configuration Manager

Method 7- Obtaining Permission to Access the Server

This specific error might also appear if you don’t have sufficient permissions to access an MS SQL Server. All you need to check for the permissions on your account to tackle the situation.

Method 8- IP Address of a SQL Server Has Blocked The Firewall

If you want to check whether the SQL Server does not exist error is occurring due to IP address, then ping the IP address on a command prompt like:

Ping 100.10.10.10 –t

If you’re getting a reply from a server, it means there’s no problem with IP Address blockage. However, if not, they need to add an exception.

Method 9: Reinstall the SQL Server

MS SQL users often face errors or issues when trying to access the database due to corrupt SQL Server installation. It might be possible that you are receiving dbnetlib connectionopen (connect()). SQL server does not exist or access denied error due to this reason. So, ensure o reinstall the SQL database server to fix this error.

Related FAQs:

What Does 2147467259 SQL Server Does Not Exist or Access Denied?

When this error occurs, it means you can access the SQL Server instance. It happened that either the specified server name is incorrect that was provided to run a SQL Server or the login name & credentials didn’t have the required access.

How to Give Permission to Access MS SQL Server?

If you want to give permission to access the MS SQL server, then you have to use the SQL Server Management Studio and follow these steps carefully:

  1. Open SQL Server >> right-click on the Stored Procedure.
  2. Choose Properties >> stored_procedure_name box here.
  3. Then, select the permissions on a Select page.
  4. Add users to give permission.

How Can I Update My SQL Server Drivers and Software to Fix Access Denied?

To update the SQL Server drivers & software, you will have to visit the official Microsoft SQL Server website & download the latest versions. After that, follow their on-screen instructions to confirm a smooth update process.

Bottom Line

Above, we have outlined the methods that will help you to solve dbnetlib connectionopen (connect()). SQL server does not exist or access denied error and restore your server connection. So, try them one by one until your problem gets resolved.

Thanks for reading!

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Pearson Willey is a website content writer and long-form content planner. Besides this, he is also an avid reader. Thus he knows very well how to write an engaging content for readers. Writing is like a growing edge for him. He loves exploring his knowledge on MS Access & sharing tech blogs.