Connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine from Host

Hello Dev, have you ever encountered the need to connect to SQL Server on a Virtual Machine from your Host computer? If so, you might have found it a bit tricky or even daunting. However, don’t worry as we will guide you through the process in a few easy steps. In this journal article, we will explain how to connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine from Host.

What is SQL Server on Virtual Machine?

Before diving into the details, let’s first understand what SQL Server on Virtual Machine means. SQL Server Virtual Machine is a pre-configured Virtual Machine image in Azure that comes with SQL Server already installed on it. You can choose the SQL Server edition of your choice while creating the Virtual Machine.

Once you have created the Virtual Machine, you can connect to SQL Server installed on it from your Host computer using SQL Server Management Studio or any other SQL Server client tools.

Step-by-Step Guide to connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine from Host

Step 1: Install SQL Server Management Studio

The first step to connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine from your Host computer is to install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on your Host computer. If you don’t have SSMS installed, you can download it from the Microsoft website.

Step 2: Enable TCP/IP Protocol on SQL Server

The next step is to enable the TCP/IP protocol on SQL Server installed on the Virtual Machine. Follow the below steps to enable it:

Action
Description
1
Open SQL Server Configuration Manager on the Virtual Machine
2
Expand SQL Server Network Configuration
3
Click on Protocols for
4
Right-click on TCP/IP and select Enable
5
Restart SQL Server

Step 3: Allow SQL Server Port on Firewall

The next step is to allow the SQL Server port on the Windows Firewall running on the Virtual Machine. Follow the below steps to allow the port:

Action
Description
1
Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
2
Click on Inbound Rules
3
Click on New Rule
4
Select Port and click Next
5
Enter the SQL Server port number (default is 1433) and click Next
6
Select Allow the connection and click Next
7
Select the domain, private, and public profile options and click Next
8
Enter a name for the rule and click Finish

Step 4: Connect to SQL Server from Host using SSMS

Now that you have enabled the TCP/IP protocol on SQL Server and allowed the port on the Firewall, you can connect to SQL Server from your Host using SSMS. Follow the below steps to connect:

Action
Description
1
Open SSMS on your Host computer
2
Select Database Engine as the server type
3
Enter the SQL Server name in the Server name field. You can find the SQL Server name by logging into the Virtual Machine and opening SQL Server Management Studio.
4
Select SQL Server Authentication as the authentication type
5
Enter the SQL Server login credentials
6
Click on Connect

FAQs

Q1. Can I connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine from any Host computer?

Yes, you can connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine from any Host computer as long as you have SSMS installed and the SQL Server port is allowed on the Firewall. However, you need to have the SQL Server login credentials to connect.

Q2. How do I find the SQL Server name?

You can find the SQL Server name by logging into the Virtual Machine and opening SQL Server Management Studio. The SQL Server name is usually the same as the Virtual Machine name.

Q3. What is the default SQL Server port?

The default SQL Server port is 1433.

Q4. Can I use Windows Authentication to connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine?

Yes, you can use Windows Authentication to connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine if the Virtual Machine is part of the same domain as your Host computer. However, you need to ensure that the Virtual Machine is configured to allow Windows Authentication.

Q5. What if I am unable to connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine?

If you are unable to connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine, ensure that the TCP/IP protocol is enabled on SQL Server, the port is allowed on the Firewall, and you have entered the correct SQL Server login credentials. You can also try to ping the Virtual Machine to ensure that it is reachable from your Host computer.

We hope that this article helped you connect to SQL Server on Virtual Machine from your Host computer. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments below.

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