SQL server error 53 sqlstate 08001 occurs when creating an ODBC connection on the Microsoft SQL.

We normally receive this error while trying to connect to the SQL server using the login details.

Here at Bobcares, we have seen several such SQL related issues as part of our Server Management Services for web hosts and online service providers.

Today we’ll take a look at the cause for this error and how to fix it.

What causes SQL server error 53 sqlstate 08001 to occur

Now, let’s see what causes this error to occur.

There are different reasons for this error to occur. Here are some of them.

• Entering incorrect SQL Server Instance name while establishing database connection and incorrect port number and username or password will lead to this error.
• SQL Server Instance is not accessible because of firewalls or any other reason.
• Blockage of ports like Telnet port 1433 or port number on which SQL Server is running.
• Disabling TCP/IP or Named Pipes protocol in SQL Server Configuration Manager. Also, if Remote Connection is disabled for this SQL Server Instance
• SQL server cannot be found on the network which means either IP address is not reachable or that the TCP port number is either not open or is not the correct port number or is blocked by a firewall etc
• SQL Server Browser service is stopped and not working.
• Not opening UDP port 1434 in SQL server

How we fix SQL server error 53 sqlstate 08001

One of our customers approached us with the below error.

Now, let’s see how our Support Engineers fix this error for our customers.

Here are the steps to be followed by the local machine:

First, click on Start >> Control Panel >> Open Administrative Tools >> Data Sources (ODBC).

Then you will be prompted with a window with the below tabs.

From those, click on Go Tab – User DSN >> Click on ADD >> opened window >> Create New Data Source >> SQL Native Client or SQL Server >> Finish.

Here, you will get a New Window to Create New Data Source To SQL Server.

Enter the below.

Name = SQLEXPRESS
Description = SQLEXPRESS

Then select Server or type the name of Server with the correct path as below.

Server = COMP1\SQLEXPRESS (your computer name\SQLEXPRESS)

After that, click on Next >> On the next window, you have to choose Window or Server Authentication and click on Next.

Now you will get a new window with the options to Change Default Database and Attach Database FileName. If you wish to change the default database, then click and change. Go to Next.

On the next window, click on Finish.

Running connectivity tests…

Attempting connection
Connection established
Verifying option settings
Disconnecting from server

TESTS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY!

If you receive the above message then the connection is working fine. Now, click on OK Button to fix this issue.

Other tips that our Engineers provide is that:

1. Try connecting using IP address and port number instead of putting the server name in the connection string.

2. Ensure that SQL Server services are running fine and its accessible.

3. Check the firewall details. A firewall should be open between your client machine and database server. Port 1433 and 1434 should be enabled. Telnet both ports to make sure ports are open.

[Need any further assistance in fixing SQL errors? – We’re available 24*7]

Conclusion

In short, this error occurs when creating an ODBC connection on Microsoft SQL. Today, we saw the resolution to this SQL error.