SSMS on my laptop can not connect to our SQL Server and shows error 53, The network path was not found. The server works for local connections. How do I find the cause?
SQL Server error 53: the network path was not found
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SQL
RT
Rory Turner October 20, 2026
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Error 53 means the client can not reach the server at all. Work through a checklist.
1. Name or address. Try the server's IP address instead of its name, and ping it.
2. SQL Server Configuration Manager > Network Configuration. Make sure TCP/IP is enabled, then restart the SQL Server service.
3. Port. A default instance listens on 1433. A named instance uses a dynamic port and needs the SQL Server Browser service running (UDP 1434).
4. Windows Firewall. Allow inbound TCP 1433 (or the instance port) and UDP 1434.
5. Check Allow remote connections to this server in server properties > Connections.
Test the port from the laptop with PowerShell: Test-NetConnection servername -Port 1433.
TCP/IP was disabled and the firewall had no rule. Fixed both. Thanks.