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

Question
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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?Tuesday, June 12, 2007 8:11 PM
Answers
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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.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007 9:12 PM
All replies
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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.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007 9:12 PM -
I am having the same issue.
I am creating a new SQL 2005 database project using Visual Studio 2008.
I go thru the wizard,
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select the option to import an existing schema,
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create a new connection (to a DEV instance on my own machine, but I use the machine name and not (local) ),
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test it (and it passes),
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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.
Monday, May 5, 2008 11:29 PM -
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I had exactly the same issue, and the resolution/workaround is this:
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Make sure SQL Express or any other edition is installed locally.
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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
- Proposed as answer by RSully Tuesday, August 11, 2009 7:16 PM
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 3:58 PM -
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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- Proposed as answer by Bart_K Tuesday, May 25, 2010 1:24 PM
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 6:10 AM