Using VMware as a server the host can connect to
<p>I am attempting to connect to a SQL Server on a virtual machine (VMware) from the host.</p>

<p>The VM is running Windows Server 2012 with SQL Server 2012. The host is running Windows 7.</p>

<ul>
<li>I have changed the Network connection to Bridged (with and without the "Replicate physical network connection state" box checked), and Host-only.</li>
<li>I have disabled/enabled the VMware Network Adapters VMnet1 and VMnet8.</li>
<li>I have attempted to connect via the IP obtained from the VM, the adapters on the host, and by name.</li>
<li>I have also attempted the above before/after restarting the VM.</li>
<li>The firewall is off on the virtual machine.</li>
</ul>

<p>I now have the urge to throw this computer out the window.</p>

<p>What I am finding online is just repeats of the above steps. Could someone explain to me how to do this as if I have never done something like this before (because I haven't), or failing that, tell me what I am doing wrong?</p>

<p><strong>Postscript:</strong></p>

<p>I am trying to make these questions as good as I can, but I am not very good at it. I have read the instructions for asking a good question a third time before asking this, and I am trying. So please, if you are going to mark it as unclear or a duplicate, please tell me why and give me a little time to alter it, or come back after I have had time to alter it, because it is very difficult to get better without feedback, and frustrating when people just say "this isn't a good question", put it on hold, and don't bother checking back when I try to make it better.</p>