Failure of the 'SQL Connection Validation' rule indicates that you have either specified an incorrect server name or the server cannot be accessed.


To remedy, verify the following:


  1. Make sure you entered the correct server name. Consult your database administrator when in doubt.
    Click Back, to go back to the previous wizard page to correct the server name.
  2. Make sure the credentials you have specified are valid.
    Click Back, to go back to the previous wizard page to enter credentials with 'sysadmin' privileges. Also see SQL Credentials Validation
  3. Make sure the SQL Server service is running.
  4. If a named instance, make sure the SQL Server browser is running or specify the port in the server name
  5. Make sure SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections
  6. Check the firewall settings for the database server.