Cannot connect to MS SQL 2008 R2 locally or remotely - Error 53

• 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: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 53)

  solution

  Error 53 sql server 2008 r2

  
  

  To enable a server network protocol

  1.
  

  In SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the console pane, expand SQL Server Network Configuration.

  
  

  2.

  In the console pane, click Protocols for <instance name>.

  
  

  3.

  In the details pane, right-click the protocol you want to change, and then click Enable or Disable.

  
  

  4.

  In the console pane, click SQL Server Services.

  
  

  5.

  In the details pane, right-click SQL Server (<instance name>), and then click Restart, to stop and restart the SQL Server service.

  
  

  http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms191294.aspx