How to Fix SQL Server Error 26- A Complete Solution

Summary: It is often seen that DBAs and individual SQL users encounter a SQL Network Interfaces, Error: 26- Error Locating Server/Instance Specified. This is usually related to the issue when a client application is unable to connect to the SQL Server. The error can be for many reasons, varying from one another, and so this blog provides solutions to fix SQL Server Error 26. Furthermore, it states how to recover using the SQL Database Recovery Tool and common reasons for the error’s occurrence. Download Now Purchase Now

But before that, take a look at this common user query from James. He stated:

“I am a system admin at a top MNC and have been recently facing the error 26 message on my screen too frequently. This is disrupting my work, I have tried all the basic troubleshoots known to me, but none have helped. I want to know if there is any fast and accurate solution available for the same. If yes, then help me out quickly.”

To help James and all other users facing the same SQL database error 26, first, it’s necessary to know what is causing this error.

Fix attach SQL database error 26 for these significant causes:

• Improper running or blockage of the SQL Server browsers
• Blocked SQL Server connection due to firewall settings
• Disabled TCP/IP, like in Microsoft SQL Server Error 983
• Incorrect SQL Server or Instance credentials. (If it implies a naming error prevents access)
• No configuration for remote connection from SQL Server
• Problems with the ASP.net application and others
• Network errors and server downtimes, or corrupted databases

Fix SQL Server Error 26: Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Several standard and advanced troubleshooting solutions are available to fix SQL errors. Here, we discuss the relevant freeways and a professional method to resolve the error 26 in SQL Server issue without much difficulty. You can browse all the methods below one by one to promptly fix the issue.

Manually Resolve Microsoft SQL Server Error 26

While the manual solutions may be free to implement, they have drawbacks like taking too much time, needing technical skills, etc. So, if you are an admin or a user who wants to fix issues on their own, then go through the following ways.

1) Fix SQL Server Error Code 26 by IP Address

1. Begin by opening the Control Panel, then navigate to Administrative Tools.
2. Next, locate “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security” by scrolling down.
3. Double-click it, and a new window opens. There, press Inbound Rule >> New.
4. Further, in the opened dialog, select Custom > Next > All Programs > Next.
5. Now, set up your desired Protocol and Ports, click Next, and move to Scope.
6. There, opt for These IP address in the remote question and click on Add.
7. Then, in the subnet box, type the IP address and select OK.
8. Later, Allow the connection, click Next >> Next in the profiles.
9. Finally, give it a name and description (optional) and click Finish.

You’ve successfully completed the New Outbound Rule Wizard setup.

2) ODBC DSN to Fix SQL Server Error 26

1. Open the ODBC DSN and, first of all, ensure that your SQL Server name is correct.
2. Next, double-check your instance name to verify it is accurate and exists on the database server.

Example: DB Server Name: SERVERDB DB Instance Name: SQLDBEXPRESS Server Field in ODBC DSN: SERVERDB/SQLDBEXPRESS

3. Further, check that the db is reachable from the system that is trying the connection.
4. You can ping the server from another desired server with the Name and IP Address to check.
5. Next, confirm the SQL Server Browser Service is running.
6. Lastly, check that UDP Port 1434 is added as an exception, especially if an active firewall is enabled.

3) Resolve Error Code 26 in SQL due to ASP.NET App Issues

It is probably when the application assumes to be on the same server as the website. To fix, the SQL server connection string in the web.config file must be updated. It is because no chance of applying innovation to run the SQL Express on shared hosting servers.

String Example: <add name=”classifiedsConnection” connectionString=”Server=tcp:sqlserver123.hostingprovider.com,1433;Initial Catalog=classifiedsdb;Persist Security Info=False;User ID=dbuser123;Password=StrongP@ssword!;MultipleActiveResultSets=False;Encrypt=True;TrustServerCertificate=False;Connection Timeout=30;” providerName=”System.Data.SqlClient” />

Changes to be Made in the Above String: <add name=”classifiedsConnection” connectionString=”Data Source=sqlserver123.hostingprovider.com;Initial

Catalog=classifiedsdatabase;User ID=dbuser;Password=dbpassword;” providerName=”System.Data.SqlClient” />

Furthermore, this SQL database error 26 may occur when the user chooses the ASP.net membership provider. Whereas, the settings for the connection string are still stuck on LocalSQLSERVER. So, an update for those strings is essential too.

4) Fix SQL Server Error 26 via SSMS Remote Connection

Here, we need to solve the not allow remote connections error 26 issue with these steps:

1. First, ensure you have SQL Server Management Studio with an active SQL Server environment.
2. Then, open it, right-click on the database, and select to view the DB Properties.
3. Next, within Security, select SQL Server and Windows Authentication, and confirm with OK.
4. Restart the server to check if your error is resolved and gone or not.
5. Also, in Connections → Allow the Remote Connections, if not done before.

5) Resolve Microsoft SQL Server Error 26 with TCP/IP

1. In SSMS, move to All Programs >> MS SQL Server >> SQL Configuration Manager.
2. There, check that SQL Server Services are running. If not, enable them.
3. Next, go to SQL Server Network Configurations and open Protocols.
4. Further, verify that Named Pipes and TCP/IP are all enabled. If not, enable them.
5. If you have an active firewall, set it correctly with a standard port. (Like, 1433 is default for TCP/IP).
6. Finally, ensure all other permissions for users are enabled too, and done.

These are some troubleshooting solutions for the SQL error 26 resolution. However, there are some drawbacks to consider.

Why Manual Method Isn’t the Ideal Solution?

• Despite being free, it is very tricky, confusing, and difficult, especially for users with no technical background.
• The fix may take a lot of time, and even then, there is no guarantee that the issue is completely resolved.
• There are chances that you will face database loss, corruption, or other problems while trying these fixes.

Effortless and Quick Fix SQL Server Error 26

For a versatile and streamlined approach to tackling the SQL Network Interfaces Error 26, the SQL Database Recovery Tool offers a powerful solution. This software efficiently handles such errors and helps fix the damaged and corrupted database files, too. You can repair and restore them on the database by establishing a secure connection. Moreover, it doesn’t require any specific knowledge and is suitable to be use on any Windows OS with ease.

Resolve Error Code 26 in SQL with an Automated Tool

1. Run the software and click Open to find your SQL database (.mdf) files.
2. Then, after locating, opt for them, and press Open to add MDF.
3. Choose a desired mode for its recovery (if damaged) and click OK.
4. Further, the file is scanned, and its tables and folders appear in a tree format.
5. Check them and select those to recover on the DB. Tap Save SQL Data.
6. Finally, set your server destination, test its connection, and hit OK.

That’s how your error is resolved within a few seconds, the file is repaired, and restored back on the server.

Conclusion

This blog sums up all about the error 26, user queries, and the ways to fix SQL Server Error 26. We provide six different ways to resolve the error, including free and paid. You must note that the paid tool has a free demo version that enables data preview without any costs. You can choose any of the ways that help you best with fixing the issue.

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