SQL Server Linked Server - Timeout Error I am trying to create a linked server between two SQL Servers (ServerA and ServerB).  ServerA is hosted by Windows Server and ServerB is hosted on a local Windows desktop.  I want to create a linked server from ServerA to ServerB.  I'm doing this using SSMS GUI.  ServerB is a named instance (ie ServerB\MyInstance).  Under "Security", I am using "Be made under this security context" and I enter the "sa" account.  However, I'm getting this error "Login timeout expired".  The weird thing is, I can establish the connection using c:>sqlcmd -SServerB\MyInstance -Umylogin -Pmypw from my desktop.

The credential is the same in both cases.  Can you someone tell me what I'm doing wrong?  Would it be a firewall issue?  Not sure about this since I can connect via sqlcmd.  

Thanks
It could be a firewall issue.
You have to be able to connect to Server B from Server A. You said that you can connect to Server B from your desktop, but this only proves there is no problem between your desktop and Server B.
For a fair test, you have to log in to Server A and attempt to log in to Server B from Server A.