I have a named instance of SQL Server 2008 R2. When I attempt to connect to the named instance I get the following error (if the browser service is set to logon as anything other than Local System):
A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while
establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or
was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that
SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: SQL
Network Interfaces, error: 26 – Error Locating Server/Instance
Specified)
When I change the account I use SQL Server Configuration Manager and have tried Local Service, Network Service, and a local account. I made sure the local account was a member of the "SQLServer2005SQLBrowserUser$MachineName" local group and has all the rights specified here.
How can I use a local account as the log on account for the SQL Browser service?
Best Answer
SQL Browser reads instance network configuration information from the registry; maybe the permissions there got messed up. Verify that the account you're using has access to read info underneath the following key: