To resolve this issue, you must ensure that the SQL Express edition is listening on port 1433.
To ensure that the SQL Express edition is listening on port 1433:
- Click Start > All Programs > Microsoft SQL Server > SQL Server Configuration Manager to open SQL Configuration Manager.
- Click Client Protocols in the left pane.
- In the right pane, right-click TCP/IP and click Properties.
- Ensure that Default Port is set to 1433 and Enabled is set to Yes.
- In the right pane of SQL Configuration Manager, right-click Protocols for SQLEXP_VIM and click Properties.
- Ensure that the IP address and correct ports are specified for IP1, IP2, and IPALL.
- Restart the SQL Server service for the changes to take effect.
Also, ensure that the firewall is either stopped or has an exceptions for both the database and vCenter Server ports.