SQL Server Recovery

Methods to Resolve SQL Server Error 26

Stephen West ~ Modified: June 21st, 2023 ~ SQL Server Error ~ 6 Minutes Reading

SQL network interfaces error 26

Users often see “SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 – Error Locating Server/Instance Specified” error message while connecting to SQL Server. This error 26 SQL server is quite common nowadays as a lot of users are complaining about it.

SQL Server Error 26

SQL Server Error 26 occurs when users trying to connect to a SQL Server named instance. The reason of the SQL Server Error 26 is the client stack could not receive SSRP response UPD packet from SQL Browser. Now, there a few ways to solve SQL network interfaces error 26 in a smart way. Stay tuned to know the best way.

Table of Content

  1. Quick Steps Guide
  2. User Queries
  3. Windows Firewall Method
  4. Other Causes of Error 26
  5. Automated Solution
  6. FAQs

Tip: Fix SQL Server Management Studio Error 40

SQL Error 26 Quick Solution in 5 Steps

  1. Downlaod & Launch tool in your PC
  2. Click on Open to Add database files
  3. Select Quick or Advance Scan mode
  4. Select Settings & Destination Location
  5. Click on Export button to get your results

SQL Network Interfaces Error 26 – User Queries

Now, we can say that this SQL network interfaces error 26 is occurs in the situation when a user tries to connect to an SQL server named instance through SSMS & faces issues with the same. The reasons behind these issues are quite technical & though users are not proficient enough to understand these they feel stuck in the situation.

Fix SQL Server Error 26

You have to create an incoming rule that allows traffic from all promising IP addresses that are configured for the failover cluster instance and from all possible IP addresses of the remote server. For this, just follow the below steps. We’re sure that this way users can easily get rid of this SQL network interfaces error 26 for sure.

    • Open Adminstrative Tools, from Control Panel to begin solving error 26 SQL server
    • In Adminstrative Tools, click on Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
    • Under Windows Firewall with Advanced Security on Local Computer column, click on the Inbound Rule and then select New Rule from the right pane

Windows Firewall with Advanced Security

    • From New Inbound Rule Wizard window, select Custom and then click on the Next button

Select Custom

    • Under Does this rule apply to all programs or a specific program? select All programs then click on Next button

Select All Program

    • Form Protocol type list, select Any and then click on Next button

Select protocol to fix error 26 SQL server

    • Under Which remote OP addresses does this rule apply to? select These IP addresses and then click on Add button

Select These IP Addresses

    • In IP Address dialog box, under This IP address or subnet type the IP address and then click on Ok button

IP Address

    • Under What action should be taken when a connection matches the specified conditions? select Allow the connection and then click on Next button

click next to SQL network interfaces error 26

  • Click on the Next button to complete the New Outbound Rule Wizard steps

Other Possible Causes of SQL Server Error 26 with Solution

SQL Server does not allow remote connections

  • To resolve the SQL Server Error 26 open SQL Server Management Studio, Right click on the database and select properties
  • On Security page, select SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode and click on Ok button
  • Restart SQL Server

If you are still facing the Error 26, then there could be a same name conflict between two systems. Check whether the computer name, system name is same if yes, then try to system using its IP address. In addition this error 26 occurs with several issues that are mentioned below:

  • SQL network interfaces, error: 26 – error locating server/instance specified
  • provider: SQL network interfaces, error: 26 – error locating server/instance specified
  • a network related or instance specific error in SQL server error 26

Experts’ Recommended Solution to Counter Errors Causes Due to Corruption

Now when there is some sort of data corruption issues present in the server, the SQL database might react differently than what it should usually do. Therefore, experts often suggest users to get the automated repair & recovery tool.

Downlaod the tool & then follow easy steps to repair damaged data & solve SQL network interfaces error 26 with ease. In addition, if you want to know how to make SQL server faster then this tool can remove corruption as well. Ultimately resulting in a faster server.

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Step-1. Launch the Tool in your system & then Click the Open button.

select open button

Step-2. Select the Quick or Advanced Scan Mode as per your need.

Select mode

Step-3. Set the SQL Server database details to continue further.

Set Server

Step-4. Finally, Click on the Export button to finish the task.

export to fix sql server error 26

Frequently Asked Questions

Q-1. What is connection error 26 in SQL Express?

A: It is crucial for users to ensure that the name of their server is correct & no typo on the name is present. Always make sure that your SQL browser service is running on the server in case you are trying to connect SQL instance on another server. Your machine should be reachable.

Q-2. How do I fix error code 26?

A: The device drivers of your system are closely connected to the error 26. Removing all external devices can be a solution too here.

Q-3. What is SQL Server error 26 client unable to establish connection because an error was encountered during handshakes before login?

A: The most common reason for this is when a client connects to a unsupported version of SQL Server. Here the the error occurs because the server is too busy to accept the new connections. In some cases, resource limitation is also an issue where maximum allowed connected are pre defined.

Q-4. How do I fix SQL query error?

A: There are 4 steps to fix SQL query error as mentioned below:

  1. Navigate to the failing line in SQL query.
  2. Check failing SQL syntax in SQL query.
  3. Check query logic in joins, subqueries, or CTEs.
  4. Go to troubleshooting error messages to finish.

Q-5. How to restart SQL Server?

A: Go to SQL Server Configuration Manager >> Select SQL Server Services, Right Click a named instance or SQL Server> Select from Start, Stop, Pause, Resume & Restart options.

Q-6. How do I allow remote access to SQL Server database?

A: 5 Steps to allow remote access to SQL Server database:

  1. Start SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio)
  2. Go to Object Explorer & Right Click on Server
  3. Select Properties & then Click Connections
  4. Enable Allow Remote Connections to this Server
  5. Click on Ok to save & Finish the task.