Named pipes provider could not open connection to SQL Server 1231
linked-server, named-pipes, sql, sql-server, sql-server-2008
Solution
- is the firewall at the linked server on?
- check if the firewall is blocking the `named pipes` port, which usually is 445
- try telnet to the linked server via port 445
Problem
I am trying to set up a linked server and running into an issue. On the target server I have configured a user, let's say Q. I have set the source server to connect with Q's login credentials no matter what user is logged in at Source Server. However when I try to connect, I get the error "Named pipes provider : could not open a connection to SQL Server [1231]." I have tried enabling and disabling named pipes in the server configuration manager, to no avail. Also I have seen some things saying it is a security problem. The thing is, I am able to connect from Target to Source using Q's credentials in SQL management studio just fine. Is there something stupid I'm missing here?