This error is displayed if a workstation or server is not able to connect and communicate with the server that is hosting the database. This might be to a service that stopped, or a database that has been damaged.



To resolve this issue, please see below and try the following solutions:


SOLUTION 1


Occasionally, the Microsoft SQL Server service could be stopped on the server computer to protect the database. To check and see if this is the case, first, try and restart the server computer. Left-click on the start icon at the bottom left on the taskbar, click on the power button and then click restart. Once the server is online again, please open the application on the workstation to see if it opens now. If you are still greeted with the same error, proceed to solution 2.


SOLUTION 2


1. On the SERVER computer, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.


2. Type "services.msc" and click "OK".



3. In the right-hand panel, scroll down and look for "SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)" and note whether the status reads Running, Stopped, or if it's Blank.


4. If it is blank or stopped, right-click on the service and click start.



5. Proceed to go back to the workstation, and try opening the program again. If it is still not working, proceed to the next solution.


SOLUTION 3


The connectivity to the database might be due to your antivirus on the on the server blocking the Advantage application's communication attempts. Temporarily turn off the antivirus on your server and see if the issue is resolved. If the antivirus is turned off on the server and the application opens, then you will need to configure the antivirus application to add Advantage as an exception. Please refer to your Antivirus' provider's website on how to add exceptions to the program. Ports that will need to be opened to allow connectivity  are 1433 (TCP) and 1434 (UDP).


SOLUTION 4


If the application can still not open on the server after ensuring the service is started and running well, please contact or support technicians to log a ticket so that they can log in and assist with your issue.