Slow to launch, then Not Responding message, then The SQL Database Connection

[cb6]

We recently installed a dedicated server at our office and had to reinstall ACT! Premium 2012 on our 6 work stations (running Windows 7).

We can't get ACT! to work on 3 computers (but that's for a different topic). On the three computers that it does work, it takes a very long time to launch (45 seconds), then says, "Not Responding", then "The SQL Database Command timed out":

When I close that window and click OK, I am able to choose the correct database and launch the program successfully.

Why would our computers be taking so long go launch ACT!? Before we had the new dedicated server installed ACT would start in a matter of seconds, smooth as butter.  Could it be something with the way the computers are networked to the new server?

[cb6 · Accepted solution]

I broke down and paid for support to have this problem fixed.

It turns out that port exceptions needed to be added to the "Server" computer using Windows Firewall with Advanced Features.

A support article breaks it down step by step in the second part of  Answer ID 19420.

[cb6 · Accepted solution]

I broke down and paid for support to have this problem fixed.

It turns out that port exceptions needed to be added to the "Server" computer using Windows Firewall with Advanced Features.

A support article breaks it down step by step in the second part of  Answer ID 19420.