How to check SQL Connectivity from windows server

 To check SQL connectivity from a Windows Server, you can follow these steps:

Ensure SQL Server is running: Verify that the SQL Server service is running on the target SQL Server instance. You can check the status of the service by going to the "Services" management console (services.msc) and looking for the SQL Server service name. Ensure it is in the "Running" state.

Check SQL Server configuration: Confirm that the SQL Server instance is configured to accept remote connections. By default, remote connections may be disabled. To enable remote connections:

1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager.
2. Expand "SQL Server Network Configuration" and select the appropriate SQL Server instance.
3. In the right pane, ensure that "TCP/IP" protocol is enabled.
4. Double-click on "TCP/IP" to open its properties.
5. In the "IP Addresses" tab, ensure that the IP address and port are configured correctly. By default, SQL Server uses port 1433.

Verify network connectivity: Ensure that there is network connectivity between the Windows Server and the SQL Server instance. You can verify this by using tools like "ping" or "telnet" to check if you can reach the SQL Server IP address and port.

For example, to test connectivity using the "telnet" command:

Open a command prompt.

Run the command: telnet <SQL Server IP Address> <Port>.

If the command prompt goes blank or connects successfully, it indicates that there is network connectivity to the SQL Server.

Test SQL Server connection: Use a client tool, such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), to test the SQL Server connection from the Windows Server. Follow these steps:

1. Launch SSMS on the Windows Server.
2. Enter the SQL Server instance name or IP address in the "Server name" field.
3. Choose the appropriate authentication method (Windows or SQL Server authentication).
4. Enter the credentials and click "Connect".
5. If the connection is successful, you will be able to access the SQL Server and its databases.

Check firewall settings: Ensure that the Windows Server's firewall allows inbound connections to the SQL Server port (by default, port 1433). Add an inbound rule to the firewall to allow traffic on that port.

1. Open "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security".
2. Create a new inbound rule.
3. Specify the rule type as "Port".
4. Select TCP as the protocol and enter the SQL Server port number.
5. Allow the connection and specify the desired scope (e.g., any IP address or a specific IP range).
6. Save the rule.

By following these steps, you can check SQL connectivity from a Windows Server to a remote SQL Server instance. Ensure that SQL Server is running, remote connections are enabled, network connectivity is established, and the firewall allows the necessary traffic. Testing the connection using client tools like SSMS helps verify successful connectivity to the SQL Server.