Repair SQL Server Browser Service Is Not Running​ Issue – Top 4 Ways Explained

While working on the SQL Server database, database administrators encounter various errors and issues that affect their entire workflow. One such error is that the SQL Server browser service is not running​. The SQL Server browser is responsible for making a connection between the client and SQL Server. However, when the SQL Server browser services stop running, it prevents the client application from connecting to the SQL Server. In this thorough write-up, we will learn more about these browser services and further explore how they impact the users and their day-to-day tasks. 

Let’s begin by learning more about the SQL Browser service first, and then jump to the technicalities. 

What Are SQL Server Browser Services? A Complete Overview

To understand the SQL Server browser service is not running​ issue, users must know what the SQL Server Browser service is and its role in the SQL Server database. The browser service in SQL Server is responsible for making connections between the client and SQL Server. When a client application tries to connect to the SQL Server database, these browser services provide it with the correct port number and instance name to the client to secure a correct connection with the SQL Server. Here are some of the functionalities of these browser services: 

1. Maps the named instances in SQL Server with their respective TCP ports.
2. Initiates the connection between dynamic TCP ports and client applications. 
3. Allows the client access to multiple SQL Server instances in the database.
4. Helps with initiating and assisting client networks with remote connections. 
5. Allows the integration with SQL Server Network Configuration easily. 

These are some of the roles SQL Server Browser is responsible for. However, when these services stop working, it becomes impossible for the client to secure a connection with SQL Server, creating issues for the database administrators to carry out their tasks. Furthermore, when the SQL Server Browser services stop, they can lead to errors like SQL Error 2: Could Not Open Connection, and SQL Server Error 26. We will now take a look at the causes that might lead to the SQL Server browser service is not running​ error.

Common Reasons for SQL Server Browser Services Stopped Issue

We will now take a look at the common causes of SQL browser service not running​ issue and further find the best solutions that will allow the users to resolve this error in a more effective way. 

• The SQL Server Browser Service might be disabled or stopped, restricting the connection between the SQL Server and the client.
• The security software, like a Firewall, might be stopping or blocking the port (UDP 1434) from receiving connection requests and further causing SQL Server browser service is not running​ error.
• As a security measure, many times the database administrators stop the browser services to prevent attacks on the server. 
• Due to configuration issues with the network protocols, this issue might occur. 
• SQL Server crashes or errors with the system also become one of the common reasons for the SQL Browser Services stopping issue. 

With these causes, the users face challenges while connecting the client applications to the SQL Server. We will now take a look at the solutions that will help the users resolve this issue in a hassle-free way. 

How to Fix SQL Server Browser Service Is Not Running​ Issue Easily?

After learning the causes for this issue, it is now time to find the best solutions to resolve the issue accordingly. We will now go through the reasons one by one and understand how they will help the users repair the issues in SQL Server. 

Method 1: Start the SQL Server Browser Services With SSCM

Here are the steps that will allow the users to start the services and seamlessly connect with the SQL Server.

1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager and go to SQL Server Services.
2. Find SQL Server Browser from the list provided and right-click on it. 
3. Go to properties and from the Service Tab, choose Automatic or Manual as the Startup Type.
4. Next, click on Apply and then on the OK button to apply changes. 
5. Again, move to the Service and click on the Start button. 

Method 2: Use Command Prompt to Start SQL Server Browser

Another way to start the browser services in SQL Server is with the help of the Command Prompt. Here are the steps to fix the SQL Server browser service is not running​ error. 

1. Open the Command Prompt and run as administrator. 
2. To start the browser services, execute the following command:
   net start “SQL Server Browser”
3. For an automatic startup configuration, the given command will be used:
   sc config “SQL Server Browser” start= auto
4. To check the status of the SQL Server browser, run this command:
   sc query “SQL Server Browser”

This method is helpful for users who are technically aware and can further understand the commands they are working with. 

Method 3: Use Professional Solution to Repair SQL Server After Service Crash or Errors

One of the reasons for the Browser Services to stop is due to service crash or system errors. In such situations, it is better to trust a reliable solution to repair the issue. The solution we suggest here is the SysTools SQL Database Recovery Software. This solution allows the users to repair the database after such disasters and errors.

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Here are the steps for using the automated solution.

1. Install and run the software. Add the database files to the software by clicking on the Open Button.
2. After the file is added, the software will run a scan on the database files.
3. After the scan is completed, preview the recovered files. Then, click on the Export tab to resolve the SQL Server browser service is not running​ error.
4. In the export window, add the authentication details to the desired destination. And lastly, click on the export button to fix the issue.

Method 4: Fix The Error​ By Allowing SQL Server Browser Through Firewall

As we read, one of the reasons for the issue might be SQL Server Browser services being blocked by the Firewall. Therefore, this is another way to resolve the SQL Server browser service is not running​ issue. 

1. Open Windows Firewall and then go to the Advanced Settings.
2. From the Inbound Rules tab, go to New Rule.
3. Choose the port, and add UDP Port number 1434.
4. Next, allow the connection and further apply the changes to the required domains. 
5. Lastly, name the generated rule and save the changes made. 

With the help of these methods, users can resolve this issue and further secure connections with SQL Server. After understanding the solutions. We will now take a look at a few best practices that will help the database administrators to prevent any disasters during the execution of these methods. 

Safety Measures to Prevent Any Issues During Repair Methods Execution

1. Check the Event Viewer logs in SQL Server to detect any issues or errors related to Browser Services and find the root cause accordingly. 
2. It is crucial to document the entire SQL Server browser service is not running​ repair process, or any changes made for future purposes. 
3. When adding or changing the Firewall configurations or rules, check the connectivity with a remote client to ensure that the rule is working properly. 
4. While using the professional solution to repair the database, take a backup of the affected database file.

Conclusion

With the help of this write-up, we have learned thoroughly about the SQL Server browser service is not running​ error. Furthermore, we understood the causes for this issue. Additionally, we have also suggested solutions that will allow the users to fix the issue caused due to distinct reasons. So, if you have encountered a similar issue, this manual will guide you through the issue and further resolve the issue in a better way.