"Server Does Not Exist" Login Error

Problem:

After logging in to TimeForce, a "Page cannot be displayed" error comes up with the following Technical Information at the bottom of the screen:

Error Type:

Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server (0x80004005)

[DBNETLIB][ConnectionOpen (Connect()).]SQL Server does not exist or access denied.

/qqest/include/Security.asp, line6

Solution 1:

The SQL Service is not started.  This service must be running in the background of the machine in order to open TimeForce.

  1. Double-Click on the SQL Server Service Manager icon located in the System Tray (the row of icons in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, by the time of day).  The "SQL Server Service Manager" screen opens.

  2. Click on the [START/CONTINUE] icon to start the SQL Server.

  3. Put a check mark in the Auto-start service field to ensure that the SQL Server automatically starts each time the computer is booted up.

  4. Once the server has successfully started, click on the [X] icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen to exit the Service Manager.

You should now be able to log into the TimeForce software normally.

Solution 2:

During an Advanced Install of the TimeForce software, either the computer name or instance was entered improperly.  You will need to run the install again.

  1. On the first screen of the Advanced install is a Computer Name field.  This name can either remain at the default setting of "(local)," or you can change it to the computer's network name.

  2. In most cases the Instance will be left blank, unless you have a named instance in Microsoft SQL Server 2000.

    • When you open Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Manager, under SQL Server Group you will most likely see "(local)," or the computer name.  If this is the case, then on the Advanced Install leave the instance setting blank.

    • If under SQL Server Group you see "(computername)\(instancename)," you will put the instance name in the instance field.

  3. The next screen asks you for the SQL username and password.  For most people the username is "sa".  You will need to know your SQL password.

Once you complete the Advanced Install with the correct settings, you should be able to log into the TimeForce software normally.