By default, the default instance of SQL Server Database Engine listens on named pipe \\.\pipe\sql\query. Named instances of SQL Server Database Engine and SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1 listen on other pipes. Use SQL Server Configuration Manager to change the pipe used by the Database Engine.
There are three ways to connect to a specific named pipe with a client application:
-
Run the SQL Server Browser service on the server.
-
Create an alias on the client, specifying the named pipe.
-
Program the client to connect using a custom connection string.
For more information about the proper format of a named pipe, see Creating a Valid Connection String Using Named Pipes.
To configure the named pipe use by the SQL Server Database Engine
-
In SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the console pane, expand SQL Server Network Configuration, and then click expand Protocols for <instance name>.
-
In the details pane, right-click Named Pipes, and then click Properties.
-
On the Protocol tab, in the Pipe Name box, type the pipe you want the Database Engine to listen on, and then click OK.
-
In the console pane, click SQL Server Services.
-
In the details pane, right-click SQL Server (<instance name>) and then click Restart, to stop and restart SQL Server.
When SQL Server is listening on an alternate pipe, there are three ways to connect to a specific named pipe with a client application:
-
Run the SQL Server Browser service on the server.
-
Create an alias on the client, specifying the named pipe.
-
Program the client to connect using a custom connection string.
See Also