Palisade Knowledge Base

HomeTroubleshooting@RISK for Excel: LibraryLibrary Can't Find SQL Servers on Other Computers

7.1. Library Can't Find SQL Servers on Other Computers

Applies to: @RISK for Excel 5.x–7.x

I try the Connect or Create button in @RISK Library, but it can't find any servers except my own machine.

It may be a firewall or permissions issues, or some problem with SQL Server. Please follow this procedure to check for those problems, using native SQL and not @RISK:

  1. Click Start » Programs » Microsoft SQL Server » SQL Server Management Studio (or SQL Server Management Studio Express). (If it's not there, please visit Microsoft's Download Center and enter

    management studio express

    in the search window. You want Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express, which should be the first hit. Download and install it, then run it.)

  2. The server name should be pre-populated with the local server. Click Connect, and then in Object Explorer expand Databases and drill down all the way in any path within Databases. If there are any problems there, your SQL installation is faulty.

  3. Assuming the local test is okay, click Connect » Database Engine. Server Name should be pre-populated with your local computer name. Click the down arrow and select Browse for more.

  4. In the Browse for Servers dialog, select the Network Servers tab. You will see "Retrieving", then eventually "Database Engine". Click the + sign to expand it, and you should see all the networked machines.

If you don't see the networked machines, this is an issue in your local network or your SQL installation and you should get your IT department to troubleshoot. If you do see the networked machines, then it looks like SQL is working and you have the necessary permissions. That suggests a problem in @RISK; please contact us and we will assist you.

Last edited: 2019-02-26

This page was: Helpful | Not Helpful