Open access to SQL Server when using dynamic ports

1. On the database server, choose Start → Control Panel.

   The Control Panel window appears.

   

2. Double-click Windows Firewall.

   The Windows Firewall dialog box appears.

   

3. In the left pane, click Advanced settings.

   The window refreshes to display a left, center, and right pane of advanced options.

   

4. In the left pane, click Inbound Rules.

   The center and right panes refresh to display different options.

   

5. In the right pane, click New Rule.

   The New Inbound Rule Wizard appears, set to the Rule Type screen.

   

6. Verify that Program is selected, and then click Next >.

   The Program screen of the wizard appears.

   

7. For This Program path, click Browse.

8. Use the file browser that appears to navigate to the instance of SQL Server that you want to access through the firewall and select Sqlservr.exe.

   Example: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10_50.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\Binn\Sqlservr.exe

9. Click Next >.

   The Action screen of the wizard appears.

   

10. Verify that Allow the connection is selected, and then click Next >.

    The Profile screen of the wizard appears.

    

11. Clear Public, and then click Next >.

    The Name screen of the wizard appears.

    

12. In Name, type a name for the rule.

    Example: SQLDynamicPort

13. (Optional) In Description, type additional information describing the rule you have set up.
14. Click Finish.
15. Close the Windows Firewall window.
16. Close the Control Panel window.