Forum Discussion
Can't connect to SQL server
beckett,
Are you able to connect to SQL Server from SQL Server Management Studio(SSMS)? Ensure that SSMS is installed on the same machine with Power BI Desktop.
Besides, please follow the instructions in the article below to troubleshoot this connection error.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/configure-windows/troubleshoot-connecting-to-the-sql-server-database-engine
Regards,
Lydia
If you are able to normally connect to SQL server using connector (outside of Power BI). You should be able to connect from PowerBI without issue.
Try checking your connection syntax and spelling. Also
Ex: Server = ServerName: Port#, Database = dbname
If this isn't isolated to PowerBI... then check following list for what may cause Named Pipes Provider, error: 40.