Fix SharePoint “Cannot connect to the configuration database” Error

Problem: Users received “Cannot connect to the configuration database” error when trying to access SharePoint sites!

Cannot connect to the configuration database Error

Reason: SQL Server services were stopped during a patch installation. (In another case, SQL Server service stopped due to disk space issue!).

Solution:

Start SQL Server Service!

  1. Go to SQL Server Configuration Manager
  2. Right click on “SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)” Service which is in “Stopped” State, and Start it.start sql server service for sharepoint

You can do the same with the Services console. Go to Run >> Services.msc >> start the MSSQLServer Service!
Cannot connect to the configuration database 

Other Possibilities:

But wait! There could be some other reasons for “Cannot connect to the configuration database” or “Unable to connect to database. Check database connection information and make sure the database server is running” error in SharePoint, such as:

  • Network connectivity issues between SharePoint Web/App Servers and Database Server. Make sure your SharePoint servers are able to communicate with SQL Server by pinging/NSLookup. Also make sure no firewall rules are blocking your connections. Verify Named Pipes is ON.
  • The SharePoint service account used in App Pool doesn’t has enough access to SQL Server! Make sure your AppPool account has: Security Administrator & Database Creator rights on SQL Server. It also occurs when your service account password expires or account is locked.
  • Try IISReset. Simply a Server Reboot also works sometimes!
  • SharePoint database(s) may be in Offline mode, bring them Online from database properties!

Salaudeen Rajack

Salaudeen Rajack - Information Technology Expert with Two-decades of hands-on experience, specializing in SharePoint, PowerShell, Microsoft 365, and related products. He has held various positions including SharePoint Architect, Administrator, Developer and consultant, has helped many organizations to implement and optimize SharePoint solutions. Known for his deep technical expertise, He's passionate about sharing the knowledge and insights to help others, through the real-world articles!

One thought on “Fix SharePoint “Cannot connect to the configuration database” Error

  • the SQL server may have the Windows Firewall on

    Reply

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