How to test a connection to a remote SQL 2005 without SSMS?

Question

We are having some connectivity issues from a client application connecting to a remote SQL Server 2005 (named instance).

What are some ways to test connectivity from the client machine (Windows XP) that doesn't have SSMS or Query analyzer installed?

I would like to see if the issue is related to the specific application or is it a more general connectivity to the remote sql server from the specific client.

Answer 1

If you just want to test network connectivity, then telnet is a simple way.

telnet ip.of.sql.server 1433

Here's more in-depth information on troubleshooting connectivity issues (including using telnet)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827422

Answer 2

Can you create an ODBC connection via admin tools to the SQL Server and use the "Test Connection" function in there?

Answer 3

I sometimes use the Data sources/ODBC control panel item as a "GUI" to test a DB connection.