>You are not the only one with this problem see:- http://blog.sqlauthority.com/2009/05/21/sql-server-fix-error-provider-named-pipes-provider-error-40-could-not-open-a-connection-to-sql-server-microsoft-sql-server-error/
>

I had previously found that article but it's not a fix for me (unfortunately). That article is really a guide for troubleshooting the initial installation of sql server. This is an established server with very infrequent, intermittent errors. Thanks though.