Connecting to SQL Server not possible

[Lanzette]

Hi Power BI Experts,

I created a SQL Server 2014 EE as a VM in Azure. I installed the AdventureWorks2014 sample data base and tried to connect to it with Power BI desktop. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work.

This is what I did:

1. I chose get data -> SQL Server
2. In the field Server I put the DNS-name of the VM: sql2014ee-**********.cloudapp.net
3. Power BI tried to connect, but I got an error message after a few seconds. The message is in German language, but it basically said: No connection possible. Server could not be found or no access to server possible. provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 – Connection with SQL Server could not be opened.

I like to add that I’m completely new to this (SQL and Power BI). I don’t even know for sure if it is possible to connect to a SQL database like this directly. Maybe I have to configure the VM in some way to make outside access possible (I can connect to it with a remote desktop file (rdp) though)?

I’m grateful for any suggestions.

Thanks

Ulrich

[ashishrj]

@Lanzette Yes you can connect to your SQL Server in Azure VM directly from Power BI Desktop.

You need to check whether you are able to connect to database from local SSMS. If not, then configure to open endpoints in Azure as shown in below snapshot. If you are able to connect it through your local SSMS, then you can definitely connect it from Power BI Desktop tool. Make sure you specify correct server name, username and password. If above dosen't work then try installing Power BI Desktop inside your SQL Azure VM and that should definitely work out. Hope this helps!

[Lanzette]

Hi @ashishrj, thanks for your kind reply and your suggestion to install Power BI desktop directly on the VM in Azure.

The good news: I can connect to my database with SQL Server Management Studio like this:

I can also connect to the database with Power BI Desktop (on the VM) by simply using the server name “sql2014ee”:

But I don’t know how to access to the db from other computers. What is the “server” in this case?

• Is it the website url? http://sql2014ee-87e84885.cloudapp.net/
• Is it the IP-Address? 40.76.221.210
• Is it the IP-Address with Endpoint (I created a new endpoint like you suggested)? 40.76.221.210:1433

I tried all of those and nothing worked.

[ashishrj]

@Lanzette Try using servername.cloudapp.net

In your case it will be sql2014ee.cloudapp.net and this should work !