The database name is not a valid configuration database…yes it is!

Hi,

I’m attempting to add an application server to an exisiting farm. However when I run the configuration wizard to connect to the exisiting farm an error is thrown “The database name is not a valid configuration database”…but it is because thats tha database the main WFE connects to!

The ULS logs point to an ‘Unknown SQL error 53…named pipes etc etc’.

1. I’m using a SQL alias with a non standard port…the same SQL alias as my SP servers
2. Named pipes are enabled on the SQL server
3. I’m running the wizard using my SP_Admin, the same account as I’ve always done
4. I’ve checked the SP_Admin permissions on SQL…they are correct
5. I’ve updated and checked that my SP servers are all running the same version of SP
6. I’ve disabled the SQL firewall just in case…no luck.

I’ve spent a silly amount of time trying to figure this one out! If anybody could point me the in the right direction it would hugely appreciated.

Many thanks

Marc