How to connect SQL Server across the Work Network?

Question

SQL 2008:

I am trying to access SQL Database which is running on Server / Test Computer which has Windows XP OS.

My Computer and Test Computer both are connected in our Local Network.

Still I am not able to access the Test Computer.

TITLE: Connect to Server

Cannot connect to XP-BE301D36469F.

---

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Timeout expired.  The timeout period elapsed prior to completion of the 
operation or the server is not responding. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: -2)
For help, click: http://go.Microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&EvtSrc=MSSQLServer&EvtID=-2&LinkId=20476

I can only click OK to dismiss the window. How to fix this issue?

Actually, I am not able to connect either way .. I.e) To the Test Machine or from the Test Machine.

Answer 1

Assuming that you are using SQL Management Studio to connect to the database, then I would check the following on the machine running SQL Server:

• Are you able to ping between the 2 machines?
• Is the firewall disabled, or is TCP for port 1433 allowed?
• Is the SQL engine running?
• Are named pipe and TCP connections enabled inside SQL Server?

Answer 2

I believe TCP is disabled by default in SQLServer. Link on how to enable.