SQL Server 2008 R2: Enable the remote connection and sa login

Step1: Change SQL Server authentication mode

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio,

2. In the Connect to Server dialog box, type ipAddress/InstanceName, just type (local) as for default local instance, in the Server name text box and then connect just with the default Windows Authentication mode.

3. In the Object Explorer, right-click the connected ipAddress/instance node and then click Properties.

4. Server Properties dialog box --> in Securtity page --> Server authentication area, select the SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode.

5. Server Properties dialog box --> Connections page, make sure the Allow remote connections to this server is checked.

6. OK.

Step2: Enable sa account

1. In Object Explorer, find out Securtity --> Logins --> sa, right-click sa and click Properties.

2. Login Properties --> General page, set password for sa.

3. Login Properties --> Status page, Enable sa.(don't miss this step)

4. OK.

 

 

Step3:Restart SQL Server service.

1. In Object Explorer, right-click the connected ipAddress/instance node, then Restart.

2. Try to connect to server with sa and password you just specified.

 

The above solution may also apply to SQL Server 2008 and 2005.