Connect to SQL Server On A VPN

Ever tried to connect to a SQL Server instance that was not part of the local network but should be available via a VPN connection? You are at work, the server you want to access is remote (but available via vpn), but can't connect. Generally this won't work with the default connection settings as setup by the SQL Server Management Studio. The problem is the IP Address is inaccessible. So, try Named Pipes instead:

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio in the local domain.
2. Click on Options on the Connect to Server dialog.
3. Set the Connect to Database to the .
3. Change Network Protocol to Named Pipes.
4. Click Connect.

NOTE: This will only work if you have the Named Pipes protocol turned on in the SQL Server Configuration Manager.