since the attack of the "slammer"computer centre had blocked port 1433 and 1434. if you wanna connect, do the following: 1.Start menu -> SQL Server -> Client Network Utilities 2.Tab Alias -> Add 3.Server Alias: anyname you like, say serversql Network Libraries: TCP/IP Server Name: (specify you sql server name here) Uncheck "Dynamically determine port", and specify the port (use a very large number say 66666, u hv also to configure the server side 66666) 4. Click OK Next Go to SQL Enterprise Manager, Register for a new server Server: serversql (the alias name you have choosen) UserID: xxxxx Password: ****** done.