Sql Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified

Question

I am trying to use the visual studio for database professionals.  I get the error 26 when I try to import a schema from an existing database.  I am using a database from my local instance.  I test the connection and the test succeeds.  What is causing the error 26?

Answer 1

Error 26 indicates that you couldn't find the instance.  The main sources of the problem is:

 

1 - You typed the wrong instance name

2 - The SQL Browser service hasn't been started on the server

3 - The firewall on the server hasn't been configured to make an exception for sqlbrowser.  see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms345288(SQL.90).aspx

 

Il-Sung.

Answer 2

I am having the same issue.

 

I am creating a new SQL 2005 database project using Visual Studio 2008.

 

I go thru the wizard,

• select the option to import an existing schema,
• create a new connection (to a DEV instance on my own machine, but I use the machine name and not (local) ),
• test it (and it passes),
• then in the final step, I get the error 26.

I was running SQL Profiler, and I see the connection testing (there are audit login events getting recorded, and "SELECT name FROM master.dbo.sysdatabases WHERE HAS_DBACCESS(name) = 1 ORDER BY name" getting issued to populate the database dropdown). When I click the Finish button in the wizard, there are no events in profiler. It's like it isn't even attempting to connect using the same connection string.

 

It seems to be a Visual Studio 2008 issue, since I just ran the same scenario on Visual Studio 2005 and I have no problems whatsoever.

Answer 3

I had exactly the same issue, and the resolution/workaround is this:

• Make sure SQL Express or any other edition is installed locally.
• In VSTS, go
  Menu: Tools -> Options
  then in the tree: Database Tools -> Design-time Validation Database -> Sql Server Instance Name
  Make sure that the textbox is empty or has the name of a valid local SQL instance such as "SQLEXPRESS". A remote instance such as "SERVER\INSTANCE" will not work and cause the error message you described.

Cheers

Maurice

 

Answer 4

Hi @All,


Best Solution for "Sql Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified".

Step 1: Go to --> Visual Studio or VSTS --> Tools --> Options --> Database Tools --> Data Connections
           Set "SQL Server Instance" as blank for non-SQL Express edition and SQLExpress in other case.

Step 2: Go to --> Visual Studio or VSTS --> Tools --> Options --> Database Tools --> Design Time Validation Database
           Set "SQL Server Instance" as blank for non-SQL Express edition and SQLExpress in other case.

Hence the Solution.


Regards,
Muhammad Farooq