Related
When I connect I have already my localhost connection string. I want to know that is there any way that I connect database to visual studio but i don't have to change connection string all the time during deployment.
Simply you can use transform file to do this. In your Solution Explore expand your Web.config file then you will see there are 2 files as
Web.Debug.config
Web.Release.config
put your development configurations and connection string in Web.Debug.config and Deployment related configurations and connection string in to Web.Release.config
then it automatically pick the config file based on your build
I can't seem to connect to my database from a site. I get this error:
Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server
I tried using the local IP address to connect as well as a public one. I've tried:
Yes, the site can communicate with the server
Named pipes/TCP is enabled.
Remote connections are allowed.
Windows Firewall is off
Created an exception for port 1433 in Windows Firewall.
Enabled everything in SQL Server Configuration Manager.
What else can I do here?
Solving this problem is very easy:
Go to control panel.
search for services.
Open Local services window from your search results
Restart your MSSQLSERVER service.
Screenshot of the steps:
And the simplest solution - check if your slash is back...
I spent about an hour trying to figure out what's wrong with SERVER/INSTANCENAME when everything is configured correctly, named pipes, user access rights... and suddenly it struck me, it's not a slash, it's a backslash (\).
The horror, the shame...
It's a three step process really after installing SQL Server:
Enable Named Pipes
SQL Config Manager --> SQL Server Network Consif --> Protocols --> Named Pipes --> Right-click --> Restart
Restart the server
SQL Config Manager --> SQL Server Services --> SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) --> Right-click --> Restart
Use proper server and instance names (both are needed!)
Typically this would be .\SQLEXPRESS, for example see the screenshot from QueryExpress connection dialog.
There you have it.
I had just installed SQL SERVER 2012 developer. When I was creating my first SSIS package, I received this pipes error when I was trying to create a data connection task in SQL Server 2012 Data Tools in the Connection Manager box. I resolved with the help of the post above.
If choose a named instance and you call your named instance SSQDatabase1 and your pc's name is PCX1. You must enter PCX1\SSQDatabase1 not just SSQDatabase1
or you will receive the named pipes error.
A thread on MSDN Social, Re: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server, has a pretty decent list of possible issues that are related to your error. You may want to see if any of them could be what you're experiencing.
Incorrect connection string, such as using SqlExpress
Named Pipes(NP) was not enabled on the SQL instance
Remote connection was not enabled
Server not started, or point to not a real server in your connection string
Other reasons such as incorrect security context
try basic connectivity tests between the two machines you are working on
i Just enabled TCP/IP,VIA,Named Pipes in Sql Server Configuration manager , My problem got solved refer this for more info Resolving Named Pipes Error 40
Use SERVER\\ INSTANCE NAME .Using double backslash in my project solved my problem.
Thanks to Damian...
TCP/IP
Named Pipes
... both enabled
Web Config....(for localhost)
<add name="FooData" connectionString="Data Source=localhost\InstanceName;Initial Catalog=DatabaseName;Integrated Security=True;" providerName="System.Data.SqlClient" />
Did have the same problem. Spent like 6 hours when had to migrate some servers.
Tried all suggestions available on this topic and others.
Solution was as simple as server restart!
Very simple solution
use (local)\InstanceName
that's it. it worked for me.
TL;DR; Your SQL Server instance is using dynamic ports which is not working. Force SQL Server to use static port # 1433.
Complete Details: First of all this problem is more likely if you've a mix of default and named instance or named instances only(which was my case).
Key concept: Each instance of Microsoft SQL Server installed on a computer uses a different port to listen for incoming connection requests. Default instance of SQL Server uses port # 1433. As you install named instances then they will start using dynamic ports which is decided at the time of start-up of Windows service corresponding to named SQL Server instance.
My code was failing (with error code 40) to connect to the only named SQL Server instance that I had on my VM. You can try below possible solutions:
Solution # 1: Client code trying to connect to SQL Server instance takes help from SQL Server browser service to figure out port number at which your named instance is listening for incoming connections. Make sure SQL browser service is running on your computer.
Solution # 2: Check the port # (in yellow color) your named SQL Server instance is using from SQL Server configuration manager as shown in the snapshot below:
Use that port number explicitly in your connection string or with sqlcmd shown below:
sqlcmd -s mymachinename,11380 -i deleteDB.sql -o SQLDelete.txt
Solution # 3: Force your named instance to use port # 1433 which is used by default instance. Remember this will work only if you don't have any default SQL Server instance on your computer as the default SQL Server instance would be using using port # 1433 already. Same port number can't be uses by two different Windows services.
Mark TCP Dynamic ports field to blank and TCP Port field to 1433.
Change the port number in your connection string as shown below:
sqlcmd -s mymachinename\instanceName -i deleteDB.sql -o SQLDelete.txt
OR
sqlcmd -s mymachinename,1433 -i deleteDB.sql -o SQLDelete.txt
Note: Every change in TCP/IP settings requires corresponding Windows service restart.
Interestingly enough after resolving the error when I went back to dynamic port setting to reproduce the same error then it didn't happen. Not sure why.
Please read below interesting threads to know more about dynamic ports of SQL Server:
How to configure SQL Server Port on multiple instances?
When is a Dynamic Port “dynamic”?
When to use a TCP dynamic port and when TCP Port?
I got leads to solution of my problem from this blog.
in my case, i had a standalone server, i changed the sql server port default port 1433 in configuration manager to some number and restarted the sql serve service to take effect,i was able to connect to the sql server through management studio if i login to the server. but i was not able to connect from my local machine through sql server, i was getting the error:
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: 5)
I checked and verified all the below
-Named pipes/TCP is enabled.
-Remote connections are allowed.
-Windows Firewall is off
-Created an exception for portin Windows Firewall( this was not necessary in my case as the server is in same subnet network).
-Enabled everything in SQL Server Configuration Manager.
then i chnaged back the port number to default 1433 and restarted the sql server service, and the issue got resolved and i am able to connect the sql server from my local management studio.
I had the same problem. I use the MSSQL Server Management Studio 2017 and solved this problem using these steps:
Check for working fine SQL Server Services services or not.
Also check for working in good condition SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER).
Also check for working fine SQL Server Browser.
Restart SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)
and fixed it.
You will find most likely your DB name is not correct, you will see the server name in VS like "DESKTOP-0I14BKI" but if you open up SSMS you will see DESKTOP-0I14BKI\SQLBLAHBLAH , simply add "\SQLBLAHBLAH" (instance name) to your "server name" in VS connection properties.
You will see:
To Fix:
Try the following steps:
Open Services window (open "run box" and type services.msc).
Looking for SQL services (with SQL prefix).
Start them (if cannot start. Goto step 4).
Right_click to each service -> Properties -> Change to tab "Log on"-> choise log on as "Local ..." -> 0K. Then start SQL services again.
Try Open SQL and connect database.
In my case,
I opened SQL Server Management Studio and searched for SQLEXPRESS in my Database engine.
It had two instances and I selected the correct one.
If you are working with Asp.net core and using appsettings.json than write server as localhost and after write sql instance name for enabled named pipe like this
"ConnectionString": {
"dewDB": "server=localhost\\dewelopersql;database=dewdb;User ID=sa;password=XXXXX",
},
After following all the steps mentioned here, if it still does not connect, try adding the DNS with the IP address in the hosts file in the etc folder. Adding an IP address instead of DNS name in the connection string should be a temporary solution to check if the connection actually works.
I tried using the local IP address to connect as well as a public one.
I've tried:
Yes, the site can communicate with the server Named pipes/TCP is
enabled. Remote connections are allowed. Windows Firewall is off
Created an exception for port 1433 in Windows Firewall. Enabled
everything in SQL Server Configuration Manager.
i ensured and did the above as well and I just want to share that the DOUBLE BACKSLASH
oBuilder.DataSource = "SPECIFICPCNAME\SQLEXPRESS";
Using a SINGLE BACKSLASH resulted into a build error i.e.: Error 1 Unrecognized escape sequence
I hope this helps the next guy - I've sacrificed dinner, midnight snack and NBA highlights time solving this (shame)
Thanks to [Tamizh venthan]
^_^
Enable TCP/Ip , Piped Protocol by going to Computer Management ->SQL and Services, ensure the Service is On. Enbale the port on the Firewall. Try to login through Command Prompt -> as Admin; last the User Name
should be (local)\SQLEXPRESS. Hope this helps.
Open SQL Server Configuration Manager
Select SQL Server Services from right.
Find your server from right and go to its properties (with right click)
Change log on method to Local System.
I had the same problem and solved the problem by disabling my firewall(ESET).
The first step to solve this problem should be to try pinging your own computer from another computer. If you have firewall on, you may not be able to ping yourself. I tried pinging my own pc, then ping was failed(didnt get response from the server)
I was trying to add a new connection in VS2015. None of the suggestions here worked. Suspecting some sort of a bug in the wizard, especially since SSMS was able to connect just fine, I decided to try and trick it. It worked!
Instead of adding the connection, use "Create new SQL Server Database". Enter your server name and a random name for the new DB, e.g. "test".
Assuming this succeeds, open Server Explorer in VS, locate the connection in Data Connections, right-click it and select Modify Connection.
Change "test" (from step 1) to the name of the existing database you want to connect to. Click "Test Connection". This time it should work!
Delete the temporary database you created in step 1.
I have one more solution, I think.
I recently had changed my computer name so, after I couldn't connect still after trying all above methods.
I changed the Server name..
Server name => (browse for more) => under database engine, a new server was found same as computers new name.
This worked, and life is good again.
I struggled for ages on this one before I realized my error - I had used commas instead of semicolons in the connect string
I had this issue but none of the suggestions above fixed it.
I was seeing this issue when I deployed my website to IIS. The fix was to go into advanced settings against the default app pool and change the identity property from the default to Administrator.
For me it was a Firewall issue.
First you have to add the port (such as 1444 and maybe 1434) but also
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Shared\sqlbrowser.exe
and
%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL12.SQLEXPRESS\MSSQL\Binn\SQLAGENT.EXE
The second time I got this issue is when I came back to the firewall, the paths were not correct and I needed to update form 12 to 13! Simply clicking on browse in the Programs and Services tab helped to realise this.
Finally, try running the command
EXEC xp_readerrorlog 0,1,"could not register the Service Principal Name",Null
For me, it returned the error reason
I tried pretty much everything on this page but I had some underlying issues which were actually what needed to be resolved. I was unable to do certain things like open SQL Server Configuration Manager, which ended up being corrupt/missing WMI provider files.
There are lots of tedious ways to resolve this issues according to what I've read, but the tool from tweaking.com was able to remove and replace/repair my WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) Provider files.
I used to do computer repair and overall the tweaking.com tool really impressed me, and it was suggested from one of the WMI error forum pages I went to.
After I fixed this issue I was able to connect to my SQL db, both locally and remotely.
Hope this helps someone.
open port number 1433 on your server for sql remote connection
If you tried restarting the MSSQLSERVER service, and it did not work, this might be a solution:
If you are using SQLExpress, your server name should be as the following ComputerName\SQLExpress. However, for SQLDeveloper, you do not have to right SQLDeveloper after your ComputerName.
I can't seem to connect to my database from a site. I get this error:
Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server
I tried using the local IP address to connect as well as a public one. I've tried:
Yes, the site can communicate with the server
Named pipes/TCP is enabled.
Remote connections are allowed.
Windows Firewall is off
Created an exception for port 1433 in Windows Firewall.
Enabled everything in SQL Server Configuration Manager.
What else can I do here?
Solving this problem is very easy:
Go to control panel.
search for services.
Open Local services window from your search results
Restart your MSSQLSERVER service.
Screenshot of the steps:
And the simplest solution - check if your slash is back...
I spent about an hour trying to figure out what's wrong with SERVER/INSTANCENAME when everything is configured correctly, named pipes, user access rights... and suddenly it struck me, it's not a slash, it's a backslash (\).
The horror, the shame...
It's a three step process really after installing SQL Server:
Enable Named Pipes
SQL Config Manager --> SQL Server Network Consif --> Protocols --> Named Pipes --> Right-click --> Restart
Restart the server
SQL Config Manager --> SQL Server Services --> SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) --> Right-click --> Restart
Use proper server and instance names (both are needed!)
Typically this would be .\SQLEXPRESS, for example see the screenshot from QueryExpress connection dialog.
There you have it.
I had just installed SQL SERVER 2012 developer. When I was creating my first SSIS package, I received this pipes error when I was trying to create a data connection task in SQL Server 2012 Data Tools in the Connection Manager box. I resolved with the help of the post above.
If choose a named instance and you call your named instance SSQDatabase1 and your pc's name is PCX1. You must enter PCX1\SSQDatabase1 not just SSQDatabase1
or you will receive the named pipes error.
A thread on MSDN Social, Re: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server, has a pretty decent list of possible issues that are related to your error. You may want to see if any of them could be what you're experiencing.
Incorrect connection string, such as using SqlExpress
Named Pipes(NP) was not enabled on the SQL instance
Remote connection was not enabled
Server not started, or point to not a real server in your connection string
Other reasons such as incorrect security context
try basic connectivity tests between the two machines you are working on
i Just enabled TCP/IP,VIA,Named Pipes in Sql Server Configuration manager , My problem got solved refer this for more info Resolving Named Pipes Error 40
Use SERVER\\ INSTANCE NAME .Using double backslash in my project solved my problem.
Thanks to Damian...
TCP/IP
Named Pipes
... both enabled
Web Config....(for localhost)
<add name="FooData" connectionString="Data Source=localhost\InstanceName;Initial Catalog=DatabaseName;Integrated Security=True;" providerName="System.Data.SqlClient" />
Did have the same problem. Spent like 6 hours when had to migrate some servers.
Tried all suggestions available on this topic and others.
Solution was as simple as server restart!
Very simple solution
use (local)\InstanceName
that's it. it worked for me.
TL;DR; Your SQL Server instance is using dynamic ports which is not working. Force SQL Server to use static port # 1433.
Complete Details: First of all this problem is more likely if you've a mix of default and named instance or named instances only(which was my case).
Key concept: Each instance of Microsoft SQL Server installed on a computer uses a different port to listen for incoming connection requests. Default instance of SQL Server uses port # 1433. As you install named instances then they will start using dynamic ports which is decided at the time of start-up of Windows service corresponding to named SQL Server instance.
My code was failing (with error code 40) to connect to the only named SQL Server instance that I had on my VM. You can try below possible solutions:
Solution # 1: Client code trying to connect to SQL Server instance takes help from SQL Server browser service to figure out port number at which your named instance is listening for incoming connections. Make sure SQL browser service is running on your computer.
Solution # 2: Check the port # (in yellow color) your named SQL Server instance is using from SQL Server configuration manager as shown in the snapshot below:
Use that port number explicitly in your connection string or with sqlcmd shown below:
sqlcmd -s mymachinename,11380 -i deleteDB.sql -o SQLDelete.txt
Solution # 3: Force your named instance to use port # 1433 which is used by default instance. Remember this will work only if you don't have any default SQL Server instance on your computer as the default SQL Server instance would be using using port # 1433 already. Same port number can't be uses by two different Windows services.
Mark TCP Dynamic ports field to blank and TCP Port field to 1433.
Change the port number in your connection string as shown below:
sqlcmd -s mymachinename\instanceName -i deleteDB.sql -o SQLDelete.txt
OR
sqlcmd -s mymachinename,1433 -i deleteDB.sql -o SQLDelete.txt
Note: Every change in TCP/IP settings requires corresponding Windows service restart.
Interestingly enough after resolving the error when I went back to dynamic port setting to reproduce the same error then it didn't happen. Not sure why.
Please read below interesting threads to know more about dynamic ports of SQL Server:
How to configure SQL Server Port on multiple instances?
When is a Dynamic Port “dynamic”?
When to use a TCP dynamic port and when TCP Port?
I got leads to solution of my problem from this blog.
in my case, i had a standalone server, i changed the sql server port default port 1433 in configuration manager to some number and restarted the sql serve service to take effect,i was able to connect to the sql server through management studio if i login to the server. but i was not able to connect from my local machine through sql server, i was getting the error:
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: 5)
I checked and verified all the below
-Named pipes/TCP is enabled.
-Remote connections are allowed.
-Windows Firewall is off
-Created an exception for portin Windows Firewall( this was not necessary in my case as the server is in same subnet network).
-Enabled everything in SQL Server Configuration Manager.
then i chnaged back the port number to default 1433 and restarted the sql server service, and the issue got resolved and i am able to connect the sql server from my local management studio.
I had the same problem. I use the MSSQL Server Management Studio 2017 and solved this problem using these steps:
Check for working fine SQL Server Services services or not.
Also check for working in good condition SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER).
Also check for working fine SQL Server Browser.
Restart SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)
and fixed it.
You will find most likely your DB name is not correct, you will see the server name in VS like "DESKTOP-0I14BKI" but if you open up SSMS you will see DESKTOP-0I14BKI\SQLBLAHBLAH , simply add "\SQLBLAHBLAH" (instance name) to your "server name" in VS connection properties.
You will see:
To Fix:
Try the following steps:
Open Services window (open "run box" and type services.msc).
Looking for SQL services (with SQL prefix).
Start them (if cannot start. Goto step 4).
Right_click to each service -> Properties -> Change to tab "Log on"-> choise log on as "Local ..." -> 0K. Then start SQL services again.
Try Open SQL and connect database.
In my case,
I opened SQL Server Management Studio and searched for SQLEXPRESS in my Database engine.
It had two instances and I selected the correct one.
If you are working with Asp.net core and using appsettings.json than write server as localhost and after write sql instance name for enabled named pipe like this
"ConnectionString": {
"dewDB": "server=localhost\\dewelopersql;database=dewdb;User ID=sa;password=XXXXX",
},
After following all the steps mentioned here, if it still does not connect, try adding the DNS with the IP address in the hosts file in the etc folder. Adding an IP address instead of DNS name in the connection string should be a temporary solution to check if the connection actually works.
I tried using the local IP address to connect as well as a public one.
I've tried:
Yes, the site can communicate with the server Named pipes/TCP is
enabled. Remote connections are allowed. Windows Firewall is off
Created an exception for port 1433 in Windows Firewall. Enabled
everything in SQL Server Configuration Manager.
i ensured and did the above as well and I just want to share that the DOUBLE BACKSLASH
oBuilder.DataSource = "SPECIFICPCNAME\SQLEXPRESS";
Using a SINGLE BACKSLASH resulted into a build error i.e.: Error 1 Unrecognized escape sequence
I hope this helps the next guy - I've sacrificed dinner, midnight snack and NBA highlights time solving this (shame)
Thanks to [Tamizh venthan]
^_^
Enable TCP/Ip , Piped Protocol by going to Computer Management ->SQL and Services, ensure the Service is On. Enbale the port on the Firewall. Try to login through Command Prompt -> as Admin; last the User Name
should be (local)\SQLEXPRESS. Hope this helps.
Open SQL Server Configuration Manager
Select SQL Server Services from right.
Find your server from right and go to its properties (with right click)
Change log on method to Local System.
I had the same problem and solved the problem by disabling my firewall(ESET).
The first step to solve this problem should be to try pinging your own computer from another computer. If you have firewall on, you may not be able to ping yourself. I tried pinging my own pc, then ping was failed(didnt get response from the server)
I was trying to add a new connection in VS2015. None of the suggestions here worked. Suspecting some sort of a bug in the wizard, especially since SSMS was able to connect just fine, I decided to try and trick it. It worked!
Instead of adding the connection, use "Create new SQL Server Database". Enter your server name and a random name for the new DB, e.g. "test".
Assuming this succeeds, open Server Explorer in VS, locate the connection in Data Connections, right-click it and select Modify Connection.
Change "test" (from step 1) to the name of the existing database you want to connect to. Click "Test Connection". This time it should work!
Delete the temporary database you created in step 1.
I have one more solution, I think.
I recently had changed my computer name so, after I couldn't connect still after trying all above methods.
I changed the Server name..
Server name => (browse for more) => under database engine, a new server was found same as computers new name.
This worked, and life is good again.
I struggled for ages on this one before I realized my error - I had used commas instead of semicolons in the connect string
I had this issue but none of the suggestions above fixed it.
I was seeing this issue when I deployed my website to IIS. The fix was to go into advanced settings against the default app pool and change the identity property from the default to Administrator.
For me it was a Firewall issue.
First you have to add the port (such as 1444 and maybe 1434) but also
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Shared\sqlbrowser.exe
and
%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL12.SQLEXPRESS\MSSQL\Binn\SQLAGENT.EXE
The second time I got this issue is when I came back to the firewall, the paths were not correct and I needed to update form 12 to 13! Simply clicking on browse in the Programs and Services tab helped to realise this.
Finally, try running the command
EXEC xp_readerrorlog 0,1,"could not register the Service Principal Name",Null
For me, it returned the error reason
I tried pretty much everything on this page but I had some underlying issues which were actually what needed to be resolved. I was unable to do certain things like open SQL Server Configuration Manager, which ended up being corrupt/missing WMI provider files.
There are lots of tedious ways to resolve this issues according to what I've read, but the tool from tweaking.com was able to remove and replace/repair my WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) Provider files.
I used to do computer repair and overall the tweaking.com tool really impressed me, and it was suggested from one of the WMI error forum pages I went to.
After I fixed this issue I was able to connect to my SQL db, both locally and remotely.
Hope this helps someone.
open port number 1433 on your server for sql remote connection
If you tried restarting the MSSQLSERVER service, and it did not work, this might be a solution:
If you are using SQLExpress, your server name should be as the following ComputerName\SQLExpress. However, for SQLDeveloper, you do not have to right SQLDeveloper after your ComputerName.
I am willing to write a connection string to allow one computer connect to another computer's sql server located in the same work group.
Anyway, searching the Internet only confused me and led me to fail tries.
So, if I am willing to connect to an sql express server to a database called "Analyze", what should my connection string look like?
Create a new text file with the extension UDL in a folder.
Right click on the file and click open with "OLE DB Core Services"
Filll in the appropriate entries and save.
Open the file in notepad - voila, your connection string is in there.
Good luck.
There is a post on MSDN explaining how to connect to SQL Server express over a network.
The main points are; you need to configure SQL Server to listen for requests. This can be done using the SQL Browser. You also need to ensure the firewall will allow requests through.
I have made a program using visual basic 2010, which contains a database. When I copy my program across to another computer and attempt to debug it, I get the following error message:
An unhandled exception of type 'System.Data.SqlClient.SqlException' occurred in System.Data.dll
Additional information: Login failed for user 'Aaron\Aaron'.
And the following line of code is highlighted within the form load sub:
Me.Table1TableAdapter.Fill(Me.Database1DataSet1.Table1)
When I publish the program it also fails to run on any computer other than the one I created it on.
Any help would be much appreciated as I'm still very new to programming, thank you.
If you're trying to access the database over the network, use:
server="HostMachineIP\Aaron" (e.g. "10.1.1.1\Aaron") and make sure firewall port 1433 is open.
If you're transferring the database to another system, set your connection string to: ".\Aaron" - the .\ references the local system.
There are lots of things that could be the issue, but for starters, you probably don't have the same user set up on your other computer that you had on your first one. That is probably why you are getting the error about Login failed for Aaron/Aaron.
Additionally, you may well have a database on the first computer that is not on the second. Transferring the program does not copy the database with it. So you should go into SQL Server on your first computer and compare it to SQL Server on your second one. Likely there are differences in users and databases that will cause problems.
From your description, it sounds like maybe you aren't using a "server" yet.
You won't have much luck if you are moving/copying the .mdf file. Your dev environment will allow this, but not other machines. It will work better if you install SQL Express on one of your machines and use it to host your .mdf (database file). That machine will be your "server".
Download SQL Server Express and install it
Download SQL Server Management Studio. Use it to attach your .mdf. Set permissions. Allow remote connections.
Check your windows firewall (on the server) to make sure port 1433 is open (SQL server communicates across a network on port 1433.
Each machine (except for the server) will need to authenticate to the server. I find this is easier when I map a drive to the server. On the server, make a folder on the hard drive called "temp", share it to the network. On each machine, explore the network, find your server, find the share (temp), map a drive to it.
Once you have done these things, then these other recommendations will work.