Connect SQL Server by using IP Address:

Usually we will connect our SQL Server database by its Instance name or (local) or. (Dot), thru SQL Server management studio. There is another way to connect the DB in client tool, by IP Address. If you install the SQL Enterprise edition, this option is enabled default installation, but if you install other edition like enterprise or express, it is not default one.

You can enable IP access by following steps.

Start --> All Programs --> Microsoft SQL Server --> Configuration Tools --> SQL Server Configuration Manager

This will open “SQL Server Configuration Manager” window, here Expand “SQL Server Network Configuration”, then select proper instance “Protocols for ”, now list of protocols will appear on right pane of the window, as exhibit here,

Double click on the “TCP/IP” Protocol from the list, then property window will appear with 2 tabs, “protocol” and “IP Addresses”. In Protocol Tab, Set Enabled as Yes.

In IP Addresses Tab, set Active to “Yes”, Enabled to “Yes”

After set the property, click on the “Apply” button then Click “ok” button to exit the window. Now you need restart the SQL Server Services to update the changes.

After you restarted the services, you can connect the Database by your system IP Address.

Hope it Helps!