Sql-server – Why does the SQL Server Express (2014) connection break after restarting the computer

connectivitysql serversql-server-express

For some reason when I install SQL Server Express (2014), it works fine for a while (usually a day or two), and then quits allowing me to sign in.

I'm not just talking about remotely here, either. Even through the Management Studio, I get:

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I sign in using Windows Authentication, and as I said, it DOES WORK fine for a little bit, and then, even though I haven't made any changes, of any kind to the system, the program, or even the database it's linked to, it just decides to quit working until I uninstall/reinstall SQL Server Express (2014), and then it works fine again for a day or two.

I've done this 3 times now, and this is the third time it's decided to spontaneously quit working.

I've tried all the tricks on this website (accepts remote connections, firewall, connection string, starting SQL Browser, ): http://www.sswug.org/articlesection/default.aspx?TargetID=44331 but everything seems in order, and again, it works for a while after install each time.

What could possibly cause this to happen? I don't know where else to look. Should I just go with the (seemingly) more stable SQL Server CE (despite its limitations). Should I go with SQL Server Express 2012, instead? Is 2014 just buggy?

Best Answer

The problem is very likely related to your machine; not SQL Server 2014 itself.

A few things I would start checking when the same issue happens:

  1. SQL Server Error Log
  2. Windows Event Log
  3. SQL Server Service Account state and password (is the account disabled or locked?)
  4. Try pinging the IP of SQL Server
  5. Try connecting by forcing TCP, using tcp:192.168.0.1,1433 (replace 192.168.0.1 with the actual IP address)
  6. Try running SysInternal's Process Monitor to see what is happening exactly while attempting the login process.
  7. Is the Kerberos SPN set correctly?

I very much doubt the SQL Server team would release buggy products which even starts failing at login. The logs will definitely give a clue about what is happening, perhaps the installation logs also show something relevant.

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