We are having some connectivity issues from a client application connecting to a remote SQL Server 2005 (named instance).
What are some ways to test connectivity from the client machine (Windows XP) that doesn't have SSMS or Query analyzer installed?
I would like to see if the issue is related to the specific application or is it a more general connectivity to the remote sql server from the specific client.
Can you create an ODBC connection via admin tools to the SQL Server and use the "Test Connection" function in there?
If you just want to test network connectivity, then telnet is a simple way.
telnet ip.of.sql.server 1433
Here's more in-depth information on troubleshooting connectivity issues (including using telnet)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827422
I sometimes use the Data sources/ODBC control panel item as a "GUI" to test a DB connection.
On windows you can create empty test.udl file and open it. Connection wizard should appear. It allows you to create a connection to sql server and other databases.
See this post for more details: Test remote SQL connectivity EASILY!
