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Database connectivity problems, how can I connect to my database?

I am trying to connect to a database, but I am unable to make a connection. Please help.

Connecting to a database can sometimes be quite difficult. This particular answer does not aim to solve any specific problem, but to serve as a guide for assisting in what could potentially solve many types of problem...

With so many databases available (ORACLE, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, MySQL, PostgreSQL etc.) and the different ways in which you can connect to them (Sockets, Named Pipes, Proxy/Redirectors etc.), with some being secured and others being unsecured, the number of potential connectivity problems is actually quite high.

Thankfully, most of the time database connectivity is straight forward and simply "works". In those situations where it doesn't work, some simple troubleshooting steps can help diagnose the problem allowing to solve it quickly.

The first step is to identify the EXACT error description and/or number that your software is displaying. Without this information you will not know the nature of the problem and therefore have little hope identifying and solving the problem.

Here are some general troubleshooting steps:

  1. Have you specified the correct location of the database, such as the IP Address or Computer Name?
  2. Is the Database Server/Engine running?
  3. Are the Protocols (TCP/IP, NetBeui, NetBios, IPX/SPX) that you need, installed, configured correctly and/or bound to the Database Engine, or enabled for use within the Database Engine?
  4. Have you specified the correct Name of the database? (such as the default "Northwind" installed with SQL Server)
  5. Have you specified the correct Instance of the database, if applicable?
  6. Have you specified the correct login credentials?
  7. If you need redirector software (such as those required by ORACLE) then do you have the Drivers/Software installed?
  8. Do you have the correct version of any Drivers/Software installed that will match and be compatible with the version of Database Engine you are running?
  9. Does the software (that is reporting the problem) expose a Connection String that you can verify and/or modify?

... and, as a last resort: Can you connect to the database using other software?

Many organizations have Database Administrators who are responsible for the database systems. If your organization has a Database Administrator then you should also consider seeking their expertise.