title: SQL Server 2017 Remote access
body: <p>I have tried every conceivable permutation for hours to try to connect to a remote <code>SQL Server 2017</code> using <code>SSMS</code>. I keep getting:</p>
  
  <pre><code>Logging failed for user xxx. (Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456)
  </code></pre>
  
  <ul>
  <li>I know SQL Server is running on the remote machines since I can log
  in locally there using SSMS. </li>
  <li>SQL Browser is running.</li>
  <li>TCP/IP is enabled. There are no dynamic
  ports in IP All. </li>
  <li>I know the <code>firewall</code> is not a problem since I can
  telnet to port 1433 from the remote machine, and I added the rule to allow access. </li>
  <li>I have "Enable Remote Access" turned on in SQL Server. </li>
  <li>I have both Windows and SQL Server Authentication enabled. </li>
  <li>I have user mappings for the given databases.</li>
  <li>I can connect locally using SSMS with the Sql Server Auth user/passwd that I am trying to use remotely.</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>When logging in from the remote client in <code>SSMS</code>:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>I use an IP address for the server (although I can also browse to the server as I have UDP 1434 open). </li>
  <li>I use SQL Server Authentication.</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>I looked at <code>Event Viewer</code> on the SQL Server machinee to see if it gives me more clues as to why the log in is failing, but it is worthless.</p>
  
  <p>I saw <a href="https://www.liquidweb.com/kb/troubleshooting-microsoft-sql-server-error-18456-login-failed-user/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">this</a>, but it is of no help.</p>
  
  <p><strong>What on earth could be left that is the problem?</strong></p>