Server error "Error Message: A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishi

[Anonymous]

I am getting this error while opening a Power bi report in web.

Error Message: 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.

[G05DVD]

Wrestled with this for hours yesterday eventually to find my problem was with item 1 on the checklist ie. server name! 

FQVN (fully qualified domain name) has to be used. To find this ping the server on the network.

In my case the end result was of the format SERVERNAME.global.COMPANYNAME.net

[v-yingjl · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous ,

This error usually means that the client can't find the SQL Server instance. This normally happens when at least one of the following problems exist:

• The name of the computer hosting the SQL Server
• Instance does not resolve the the correct IP
• The TCP port number is not specified correctly

Checklist:

1. SQL Server are up are runing
2. check the correct instance name
3. add in exception in firewall
4. check if anti virus is using it
5. check the sql browser services

Please refer the following Microsoft document and cases that could also help you:

1. https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Desktop/SQL-Connection-error-Named-Pipes/td-p/29203
2. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/configure-windows/troubleshoot-connecting-to-the-sql-server-database-engine?view=sql-server-ver15
3. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4009936/solving-connectivity-errors-to-sql-server

Best Regards,

Yingjie Li

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