What should we do if we get an "Unable to open database connection" error message?

Steve MacLaughlin

An "Unable to open database connection" error message appears sometimes when opening Online Express in The Raiser's Edge.

Alex Oakley

I am having this problem too!



I am receiving an error when trying to access Online Express.



Unable to open database connection:


RESERVER\\RE_EXPRESS.RE7(RE7_1)


A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified)



I have tried to uninstall and re-install both the Raiser's Edge and Online Express. I've changed my settings in Internet Explorer, tried to run Raiser's Edge as administrator, our IT person has made all updates and it is still not working.

Matthew Garbarino

Alex Oakley:
I am having this problem too!



I am receiving an error when trying to access Online Express.



Unable to open database connection:


RESERVER\\RE_EXPRESS.RE7(RE7_1)


A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified)



I have tried to uninstall and re-install both the Raiser's Edge and Online Express. I've changed my settings in Internet Explorer, tried to run Raiser's Edge as administrator, our IT person has made all updates and it is still not working.

Hi Alex. I think it would be best for us to get a support case started. I'd suggest using the chat support in Online Express.

Alex Oakley

Alex Oakley:
I am having this problem too!



I am receiving an error when trying to access Online Express.



Unable to open database connection:


RESERVER\\RE_EXPRESS.RE7(RE7_1)


A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified)



I have tried to uninstall and re-install both the Raiser's Edge and Online Express. I've changed my settings in Internet Explorer, tried to run Raiser's Edge as administrator, our IT person has made all updates and it is still not working.

I did have a support case for this issue, and I checked on here to see if there were suggestions from someone who had a similar problem.



Our IT support was able to get it to work, but had to unattach and then reattach Raiser's Edge to the server.



Thank you!

Matthew Garbarino

Alex Oakley:
I am having this problem too!



I am receiving an error when trying to access Online Express.



Unable to open database connection:


RESERVER\\RE_EXPRESS.RE7(RE7_1)


A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified)



I have tried to uninstall and re-install both the Raiser's Edge and Online Express. I've changed my settings in Internet Explorer, tried to run Raiser's Edge as administrator, our IT person has made all updates and it is still not working.

Cool - thanks Alex, glad to hear it got sorted out!