Fix SharePoint 2019 Configuration Wizard Cannot Find SQL Server
Question details
The user is unable to connect to the SQL Server using the SharePoint 2019 Product Configuration Wizard during the initial farm setup process.
- Product
- SharePoint Server 2019
- Device & OS
- Windows Server
- Scenario
- Running the SharePoint 2019 Product Configuration Wizard to set up a new SharePoint farm or join an existing one.
- Observed behavior
- The setup wizard fails to find or establish a connection to the specified SQL Server database, despite firewalls being disabled, network ports opened, and SQL permissions granted.
Verify that you have the correct SQL Server hostname or IP address, and ensure the account running the Configuration Wizard possesses the dbcreator and securityadmin server roles in SQL Server.
Enable TCP/IP and Verify SQL Server Services
Ensure that the SQL Server network protocols are enabled and the necessary services are running to allow remote connections from the SharePoint server.
Even if firewalls are turned off, SQL Server instances default to disabling remote connections via TCP/IP. The SQL Server Browser service must also be active if you are connecting to a named instance.
Log in to your SQL Server machine, press the Windows key, type 'SQL Server Configuration Manager', and launch the application.
Expand 'SQL Server Network Configuration' and click on 'Protocols for [YourInstanceName]'. Right-click 'TCP/IP' in the right pane and select 'Enable'.
Click on 'SQL Server Services' in the left pane. If you are using a named instance, ensure the 'SQL Server Browser' service is running. If it is stopped, right-click it, go to Properties, set the Start Mode to Automatic, and start the service.
Right-click your main 'SQL Server ([InstanceName])' service and click 'Restart' to apply the protocol changes.
Configure a SQL Server Alias using cliconfg.exe
Create a SQL Server alias on the SharePoint server to force the connection using TCP/IP and bypass complex network routing issues.
Seek Assistance from SharePoint Server Development Forum
If local network and SQL settings are correct, hidden security hardening policies may be blocking the connection. Consult Microsoft engineers for advanced debugging.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SharePoint 2019 fail to connect to SQL Server despite firewalls being disabled?
Even with firewalls completely disabled, the connection will fail if the TCP/IP protocol is disabled within SQL Server Configuration Manager, or if the SQL Server Browser service is not running for named instances.
What permissions does the SharePoint setup account need in SQL Server?
The user account running the Configuration Wizard must be assigned the securityadmin and dbcreator server roles in the destination SQL Server to successfully create and configure the SharePoint database.
How can I check the exact error when the SharePoint Configuration Wizard fails?
You can find detailed error logs in the SharePoint trace log directory, which is typically located at C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Web Server Extensions\16\LOGS.
Can I use SQL Server Express for a SharePoint 2019 production farm?
No, SharePoint Server 2019 does not support SQL Server Express for production environments. You must use a Standard or Enterprise edition of SQL Server 2016, 2017, or 2019.
