A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server

This error comes when you try to connect SQL Server 2014 with credentials:

“A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 2)”

Follow these steps to resolve this error and connect successfully.

      1. Type run in Cortana search and type services.msc and click OK.

 2. Find SQL Server from services list and click to open popup window

      3. Select Startup type – Automatic

      4. Click Start to start SQL service

      5. Click OK.

Now again connect SQL Server, that will connect now.