SQL Server does not exist or access denied

If you have a fresh installation of SQL Server 2005 you might receive this error message:

"[dbnetlib] SQL Server does not exist or access denied"

This often happens when you try to connect to a SQL Server named instance by using TCP/IP sockets. Although there are numerous reasons as to why you may encounter the failure, such as improper connection string, server offline, etc., it may be due to not having the TCP/IP protocol enabled within the SQL Server Configuration Manager tool. Try this procedure to see if it solves your problem:

1. Go to Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL Server 2005 > Configuration Tools and click on SQL Server Configuration Manager.
2. Expand the "SQL Server 2005 Network Configuration".
3. Select "Protocols for MSSQLSERVER"
4. In the right-pane set the TCP/IP to Enabled by right-clicking and selecting Enable.
5. Click OK if prompted with a warning that it will not take affect until you restart.
6. Close the SQL Server Configuration Manager.
7. Open SQL Server Management Studio
8. Connect to the database engine of the server instance you want to work on.
9. Right-click and select Restart. Answer yes to any other services that will be restarted as well.