check these things 1. Make sure your database engine is configured to accept remote connections •Start > All Programs > SQL Server 2005 > Configuration Tools > SQL Server Surface Area Configuration •Click on Surface Area Configuration for Services and Connections •Select the instance that is having a problem > Database Engine > Remote Connections •Enable local and remote connections •Restart instance
- Check the SQL Server service account •If you are not using a domain account as a service account (for example if you are using NETWORK SERVICE), you may want to switch this first before proceeding
3.If you are using a named SQL Server instance, make sure you are using that instance name in your connection strings in your ASweb P.NET application •Usually the format needed to specify the database server is machinename\instancename •Check your connection string as well