How do I fix the error 'Named Pipes Provider, error 40 - Could not open a connection to' SQL Server'?

Question

I can\'t seem to connect to my database from a site. I get this error:

Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server

Answer 1

I was trying to add a new connection in VS2015. None of the suggestions here worked. Suspecting some sort of a bug in the wizard, especially since SSMS was able to connect just fine, I decided to try and trick it. It worked!

1. Instead of adding the connection, use "Create new SQL Server Database". Enter your server name and a random name for the new DB, e.g. "test".

2. Assuming this succeeds, open Server Explorer in VS, locate the connection in Data Connections, right-click it and select Modify Connection.

3. Change "test" (from step 1) to the name of the existing database you want to connect to. Click "Test Connection". This time it should work!

4. Delete the temporary database you created in step 1.