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Client Configuration How-to Topics (Database Engine)

To configure clients in Microsoft SQL Server, use SQL Server Configuration Manager. SQL Server Configuration Manager provides information about your client network protocols and allows you to configure client network libraries. SQL Server Configuration Manager also lets you change the configured network protocols and create server aliases so you can use different options when connecting to different servers.

Note

To help troubleshoot connection issues, use the tutorial Tutorial: Getting Started with the Database Engine.

To configure clients

  1. To start SQL Server Configuration Manager, on the Start menu, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft SQL Server, point to Configuration Tools, and then click SQL Server Configuration Manager.

  2. In the console pane, expand SQL Server Native Client Configuration, to display the Client Protocols and Aliases sections.

    • Use the Client Protocols section to configure the network protocol properties on the client computer. Properties selected here such as protocols order, are used for all connections unless overridden.

    • Use the Aliases section to configure network protocol options for a single server connection. Properties selected here do not affect connections to other servers.