Hello:

I am trying to connect to SQL 2005 from a C# Windows program using a remote location via VPN, but I have been unable to get a connection. The error that I am getting is as follows:

Message="An error has occurred while establishing a connection to the server. When connecting to SQL Server 2005, this failure may be caused by the fact that under the default settings SQL Server does not allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server)".

In the Client utility, I have both named pipes and tcp/ip enabled.

This is the connection string I am using:

"Integrated Security=SSPI;Data Source=server address;Initial Catalog=Northwind ";

Also, the error that I am getting says that I am using SQL 2005, but I am not. The installed program is SL 2000 (I don't get this at all!).

I have also tried to extend the server address with the default port setting as follows: (Address): 1433.

AND...I am not using a Named Piped protocol, even though is is enabled. I am using TCP/IP.

TOTAL CONFUSION!!! Please help....aniskan, are you up for a real challenge?

Thanks, Pat