connecting to sql server with rails

sql server / sql express is by default cannot be connected by a fixed port
to login to sql server, first, assign a password for sa user,
or any user, and map the database to the user.
you may use db_owner for default role mapping.

then open sql configuration manager

select sql server netwrok configuration > Protocols for localhost / express / your instance name

select TCP/IP

scroll to bottom, and set:

all ports: 1433

dynamic port: (empty, not even a zero)

then goto control panel > services > sql server

restart service,

enable sql browser (auto start delayed) and start service

this shall help to make it work with rails or tiny_tds