Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix Error 1326 Error – SQL Server 2008 R2 - Cannot Connect Remotely (Error 1326)

SQL Server 2008 R2 connection error

Quick Answer: Check SQL Browser service status and ensure TCP/IP protocol is enabled on the server.

Error 1326, 'Cannot connect to server', is a common issue that affects SQL Server users who are unable to connect to their remote servers. This error occurs when the client cannot establish a connection with the server, even though the server is up and running. In this guide, we will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.

This error can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to access your SQL Server from a different location. However, by following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix the problem, allowing you to connect to your remote server remotely.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for Error 1326 is that the client's network configuration or firewall settings may not allow connections to the SQL Server. This can happen even when TCP/IP, named pipes, and shared memory are enabled. Additionally, if the client's IP address is not properly configured, it may also cause connection issues.
  • Another possible reason for this error is that the SQL Browser service may not be running or not configured correctly on the server. Make sure that SQL Browser is set to start automatically and is running at startup.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Enable Remote Connections using SQL Server Configuration Manager

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager on the remote server. You can do this by searching for 'SQL Server Configuration Manager' in the Start menu.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: In the Configuration Manager, navigate to 'SQL Server Network Configuration' and select the protocol you want to enable (e.g., TCP/IP).
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Right-click on the selected protocol and select 'Properties'. In the Properties window, ensure that the 'Enabled' checkbox is checked and the 'IP Address' field is populated with your client's IP address or the server's hostname.

Verify SQL Browser Service Configuration

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open the Services console on the remote server. You can do this by searching for 'Services' in the Start menu.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: In the Services console, find the SQL Server Browser service and right-click it to open its properties. Ensure that the 'Startup type' is set to 'Automatic' and the 'Enabled' checkbox is checked.

💡 Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the Error 1326 issue and connect to your remote SQL Server from a different location. Make sure to test your connection after completing each step to ensure that it's working correctly.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

🔍 Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions