Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

The Power BI Data Visualization World Championships is back! Get ahead of the game and start preparing now! Learn more

Reply
iammidhunmj
Regular Visitor

Connect to SQL Remote Server

I wanted to connect power BI to my client's remote SQL Server. Everytime when I connect it's throwing this error: 

"Microsoft SQL: A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server)"

 

I am quering the remote SQL server using citrix reciever.  Does anyone know's the fix? 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
v-kkf-msft
Community Support
Community Support

Hi @iammidhunmj ,

Check to see if allow remote connections for this server is enabled. In SSMS, right click on the instance name and select Properties. Go to the Connections tab and make sure Allow remote connections to this server is checked. If you need to make a change, you must restart the SQL Server instance to apply the change.

v-kkf-msft_0-1615284002601.png

For more details, please refer to these pages.

https://www.c-sharpcorner.com/article/resolve-error-40-could-not-open-a-connection-to-sql-server/

 

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/2340/resolving-could-not-open-a-connection-to-sql-server-erro...

 

If the problem is still not resolved, please provide detailed error information or the expected result you expect. Let me know immediately, looking forward to your reply.

Best Regards,
Winniz

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

View solution in original post

3 REPLIES 3
v-kkf-msft
Community Support
Community Support

Hi @iammidhunmj ,

Check to see if allow remote connections for this server is enabled. In SSMS, right click on the instance name and select Properties. Go to the Connections tab and make sure Allow remote connections to this server is checked. If you need to make a change, you must restart the SQL Server instance to apply the change.

v-kkf-msft_0-1615284002601.png

For more details, please refer to these pages.

https://www.c-sharpcorner.com/article/resolve-error-40-could-not-open-a-connection-to-sql-server/

 

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/2340/resolving-could-not-open-a-connection-to-sql-server-erro...

 

If the problem is still not resolved, please provide detailed error information or the expected result you expect. Let me know immediately, looking forward to your reply.

Best Regards,
Winniz

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

Anonymous
Not applicable

Hello, I am currently experiencing this problem but "Allow remote connections" is enabled. 

amitchandak
Super User
Super User

@iammidhunmj , have opened SQL server port from that remote machine

refer: https://knowledgebase.apexsql.com/configure-remote-access-connect-remote-sql-server-instance-apexsql...

 

Also refer

 

https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Desktop/Connecting-to-remote-sql-server/td-p/118831

Share with Power BI Enthusiasts: Full Power BI Video (20 Hours) YouTube
Microsoft Fabric Series 60+ Videos YouTube
Microsoft Fabric Hindi End to End YouTube

Helpful resources

Announcements
Power BI DataViz World Championships

Power BI Dataviz World Championships

The Power BI Data Visualization World Championships is back! Get ahead of the game and start preparing now!

December 2025 Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - December 2025

Check out the December 2025 Power BI Holiday Recap!

FabCon Atlanta 2026 carousel

FabCon Atlanta 2026

Join us at FabCon Atlanta, March 16-20, for the ultimate Fabric, Power BI, AI and SQL community-led event. Save $200 with code FABCOMM.