SQL Server Login Issues on new instance of the installation

After installing a new instance of Sql Server, especially the non-custom installation; you might experience different errors when trying to register/login with "sa" account or any other newly added Logins. Some of the errors inlclude:

1. Failed to connect to server DESKTOP-68S3Q92. (Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo) Additional Information: A connection was successfully established with the server, but then an error occurred during the pre-login handshake. (provider: Shared Memory Provider, error: 0 - No process is on the other end of the pipe.) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 233)
2. Login failed for user
3. Other errors related to services and connections

There could be a number of reasons for these errors to occur, but in general, ensure you perform the following once you install a new instance of SQL Server:

1. NOTE: Password for installation-registered "sa" account is NULL (unless speciffied/changed by user)
2. By default, mixed mode authentication is disabled, thus only Windows Authentication is enabled. This means you may not be able to login with SQL Server Authentication after express-installation. To enable mixed mode authentication:
   Login with Windows Authentication
   Right-Click the SQL Server instance
   Select "Properties" =>Security
   Select "SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode (see illustration below)
   
   
3. Ensure the registered login account is enabled (Under Status page of the account registration page, select ENABLED under Login section)
4. Enable TCP/IP protocl in Sql Srver Configuration Manager.
   Open the Sql Server group of services from the Start menu; locate the "Sql Server xxxx Configuration Manager" => Right Click =>Run as Admninistrator
   Select "Sql Server Network Configuration" => Protocol for MSSQLSERVER (dbl-click)
   Locate "TCP/IP" and select "Enabled"
   RESTART THE Sql Server service (OR all 3 services: SQL Server; SQL Server Agent, SQL Server Browser) in the Control Panel Settings of your operating system
   
   

 

Please note: This is NOT from Microsot, but my own experiences as I work with SQL Server. Please comment feedback below.