Cannot connect from SQL server from SSMS to Ms Access back end.

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I am new to SQL server but relatively experience in MS Access. I have a back end ms access database with 137Mbytes of data and was to transfer this to SQL server. I am finding it difficult to do so. The latest error is saying a network related or instance-specific error has occurred while establishing a connection to SQL server. Server is not found or not accessible etc. The connections which i am trying to make are on the same computer.

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You have provided very little detail but here are Microsoft's migration notes:

Migrate an Access database to SQL Server - Microsoft Support

1 Like
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Hi, I think you should check a few things. First, make sure your SQL Server instance is running by checking it via SQL Server Configuration Manager. Then, ensure TCP/IP is enabled and remote connections are allowed. Check that your firewall isn’t blocking port 1433, which is the default for SQL Server.

Verify that you're using the correct instance name in your connection string, and ensure your SQL Server login has the right permissions. If you're trying to query from SQL Server, consider setting up a linked server to MS Access via OLE DB

Alternatively, you can use the SQL Server Import and Export Wizard to transfer data directly from Access into SQL Server without connection issues.

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hi

hope this helps

Troubleshoot the SQL Server Connection

Check SQL Server Services

  • Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager.
  • Ensure that both SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) and SQL Server Browser services are running.
  • Set their startup type to Automatic.

b. Verify Instance Name

  • If you installed a named instance (e.g., SQLEXPRESS), use localhost\SQLEXPRESS in your connection string.
  • For the default instance, use localhost or your machine name.

c. Configure Firewall Settings

  • Open Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.
  • Ensure that inbound rules exist for SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) on port 1433 and SQL Server Browser on port 1434.

d. Authentication Settings

  • Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
  • Right-click on the server, select Properties.
  • Under Security, ensure that the server authentication mode is set to Windows Authentication (if applicable).

2. Transfer Data from MS Access to SQL Server

a. Use SQL Server Import and Export Wizard

  1. Open SSMS.
  2. Right-click on your SQL Server instance and select Tasks > Import Data.
  3. Choose Microsoft Access (Microsoft Jet Database Engine) as the data source.
  4. Select the destination as your SQL Server.
  5. Map the tables and execute the import.

b. Use SSIS (Optional for Larger Databases)

  • If your database is large, consider using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) for a more robust transfer.

3. Verify the Transfer

  • After the transfer, verify that all tables and data have been successfully imported.
  • Run a few sample queries to ensure data integrity.