Encrypting the Connection Strings & SQL Server Connectivity Issues

Encrypting Connecting Strings DPAPI

C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727>aspnet_regiis -pe connectionStrings -app /Hari -prov DataProtectionConfigurationProvider

Encrypting App Settings using DPAPI

C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727>aspnet_regiis -pe appSettings -app /Hari -prov DataProtectionConfigurationProvider

To troubleshoot the SQL Server connectivity issue,
try the following common steps.

1. Check Network:
Make sure the Network is workable and stable when you connect to SQL Server on a remote machine. You can test the Network connection using the PING grogram:
ping <Server Name>
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-GB/sqlexpress/thread/74a8625f-b5ef-4639-bd7b-c93ed04a376d

2. Enable remote connections for SQL Server:
a) In SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand SQL Server Network Configuration, and then click Protocols for <instancename>.
b) In the details pane, right-click one of the available protocols, and then click Properties.
c) To enable the TCP/IP protocol (or named pipes) for remote connections, set the Enabled box to Yes.
<add name='ConnectionString1' connectionString='Data Source=tcp:mblahblah.discountasp.net;Persist Security Info=True;User ID=SQL2005_12345_personal_user;Password=Bilibalah' providerName='System.Data.SqlClient'/>
</connectionStrings>