SQL Server Express cannot connect error: 28 - Server doesn't support requested protocol

Question

I cannot connect to my local SQL Server Express (2012, but the version shouldn\'t matter) from my server (Windows 2008 R2) to use a tool on it (APEX SQL Data Diff if you are

Answer 1

Thanks to this article for getting me somewhere with the error message. The issue is the necessary network protocols are disabled by default in SQL Server Express. I had to go to Sql Server Configuration Manager locally and turn on "Named Pipes" and "TCP/IP". After that, you need to restart the SQL Server Browser and SQL Server(instance) services.

While I did not have to, you may also need to check in "SQL Server Network Configuration" under "Protocols" for settings that need adjusted there.

Hope this helps someone else!

Answer 2

Don't forget to also check under "SQL Server Network Configuration" -> Protocols for YourInstance. I was a bonehead and forgot to look there too.

Answer 3

SQL Configuration Manager:

The picture has the wrong group selected on the link panel: it should be SQL Server Network Configuration → Protocols for SQLEXPRESS.