--- title: Resolving “Unable to login to database server” on Workstations. description: Check anti-virus utilities, check TCP/IP connections, check Windows is running on server, check network communication to server, check Microsoft SQL Server/SQL Browser Service, check Acctivate shortcuts (ServerName\ACCTivate\A), check firewall rules --- [Skip to content](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/unable-to-login-to-database-server-on-workstations#main-content) ![Acctivate - A CAI Solution](https://hub.acctivate.com/hubfs/Images/Logos/acctivate-cai-logo-svg.svg) - [Knowledge Base](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Knowledge Base](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles) - [Support Resources / Create Ticket](https://acctivate.com/support) [Support Resources / Create Ticket](https://acctivate.com/support) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge Base](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles?hsLang=en) 2. [Troubleshoot](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/troubleshoot?hsLang=en) 3. [General](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/troubleshoot?hsLang=en#general) April 14, 2025 # Resolving “Unable to login to database server” on Workstations. ## Check anti-virus utilities, check TCP/IP connections, check Windows is running on server, check network communication to server, check Microsoft SQL Server/SQL Browser Service, check Acctivate shortcuts (ServerName\\ACCTivate\\A), check firewall rules The following **Unable to login to database server** message usually occurs when something is blocking Microsoft SQL Server connections between your workstation computer(s) and your Windows Server. Does this error just appear on one or two computers?  If so, you may have a problem with the **anti-virus software or network protocols** on the workstation computer(s). 1. Verify that Acctivate is not being blocked by anti-virus or mal-ware utilities.  You may need to add an exclusion for the Acctivate folder(s). 2. Is there a problem with TCP/IP connections?  Read our article on using [Named Pipes for SQL Server](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/learn/database/how-do-i-enable-sql-server-protocols?hsLang=en) to see if that helps. If Named Pipes are not enabled, review how to [enable Named Pipes](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/named-pipes-for-microsoft-sql-server?hsLang=en). Otherwise, check some of the common causes of this error message that would affect all workstation computers on the networks. 1. The Windows Server that’s running SQL Server may be offline. **Please verify that your Windows Server is running** properly and that you can log into Acctivate on the Server. 2. Check network communications to the server.  Open a DOS / Command Prompt and type PING ServerName (where ServerName is the name of your Windows Server computer).  Ensure that all replies from the server are received with **time\<1ms**. ![](https://help.acctivate.com/wp-content/uploads/Ping.png) 3. Verify the Microsoft SQL Server and [SQL Browser Service](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/learn/database/what-is-microsoft-sql-server-browser-service?hsLang=en) are both running on your server.  Use **SQL Server Configuration Manager** to ensure both services are running.  Consider [restarting the SQL Server service](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/troubleshoot/how-do-i-restart-microsoft-sql-server?hsLang=en) as well. NOTE: If SQL Server Configuration Manager is not installed, see [this article](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/add-sql-server-configuration-manager-to-the-computer?hsLang=en)  ![](https://help.acctivate.com/wp-content/uploads/SQLConfigurationManager.png) 4. [Review, add or update Windows Firewall rules](https://hub.acctivate.com/articles/setup/how-do-i-manage-windows-firewall-exceptions-for-acctivate?hsLang=en)on the server for Acctivate. If you continue to receive this message, please [submit a Support Request](https://help.acctivate.com/request) and a Support Rep can help troubleshoot this for you. 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