Steps:

• Run > type cliconfig (keep TCP/IP enabled)
• Go to start > Administrative tool > Services (start the sql server (ms sql server)
• Run > cmd > type: netstat -an to check correct port (tcp port should open i.e 1433 )
• If server is not listening to correct SQL port then
• Go to:

  Start > All program > Microsoft SQL server > Configuration tool > SQL Server Configuration Manager

  1. Click on + sign next to SQL server network configuration
  2. Just right click on TCP/IP and go to properties
  3. Select IP ADDress
  4. All interface TCP ports should 1433, change it to correct port and restart the sql service.

  http://www.stradsolutions.com/windows-vps.php