Sql-server – SQL Server 2008 Express Edition Connection Issue

database connectionsql serversql-server-2008visual-studio-2008

I have VS 2008 Professional Edition. After the installation (which included SQL Server 2008), I decided to install SQL Server 2008 Express Edition with Advanced Tools (so I could get SQL Server Management Studio on it). So I uninstalled the SQL Express that came with VS 2008, and installed the standalone SQL Server Express 2008 version with advanced tools.

However, When I try to logon onto SQL Server Management Studio using:

.\SQLEXPRESS

as Server name and Windows Authentication as the authentication, I get the following message:

 TITLE: Connect to Server
 ------------------------------

 Cannot connect to .\SQLEXPRESS.

 ------------------------------ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 A network-related or instance-specific
 error occurred while establishing a
 connection to SQL Server. The server
 was not found or was not accessible.
 Verify that the instance name is
 correct and that SQL Server is
 configured to allow remote
 connections. (provider: SQL Network
 Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating
 Server/Instance Specified) (Microsoft
 SQL Server, Error: -1)

 For help, click:
 http//go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&EvtSrc=MSSQLServer&EvtID=-1&LinkId=20476

 ------------------------------ BUTTONS:

 OK
 ------------------------------

Any suggestions on how to get it to work? I have tried disabling Windows Firewall as well and still no luck.
I am using WIndows Vista and SQL Server 2008 Express SP1 Patch has also been applied recently.

FIX: For those interested:
I did not have any of the Instance Based installation installed (i.e. the Database engine). I Installed the instance based stuff and it fixed it!

Best Answer

Start your Local SQL Server Service

  • Start SQL Config Manager: Click Start -> Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 -> SQL Server Configuration Manager
  • Start SQL Services: Set the SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) and SQL Server Browser services to automatic start mode. Right-click each service -> Properties -> Go into the Service Tab

This will ensure they start up again if you restart your computer. Please check to ensure the state is "Running" for both services.

Starting up your Local SQL Server 2008 Service

Login and authenticate with your Local SQL Server

  • Now open up SQL Server Management Studio and click "Connect to Object Explorer" and select Server Name:

[Your PC name]\SQLEXPRESS

Example: 8540P-KL\SQLEXPRESS or (localhost)\SQLEXPRESS

  • To find your PC name: Right click My Computer -> Properties -> Computer Name tab

  • Alternative: Login using windows authentication: Using the user name [Your Domain]/[Your User Name]

SQL Server 2008 User Account Settings

Setup User Account

  • Create a new Login acct: In SQL Mgmt Studio -> Expand your local Server -> Security -> Right click on Logins -> New Login

  • Set Password settings on New User Account: Uncheck Enforce password policy, password expiration and user must change pw(Since this is local) Default database -> Your Database

  • Grant roles to New User Account: User Mapping Page -> Map to your db and grant db_owner role Status Page -> Grant Permission to connect and Enable Login

SQL Server 2008 User Settings Local DB

Setup Access Permissions/Settings for User

  • Enable all auth modes: Right click your Local Server -> Properties -> Security Tab -> Enable SQL Server and Windows Authentication Mode
  • Enable TCP/IP: Open SQL Server Configuration Manager -> SQL Server Network Configuration -> Protocols for SQLEXPRESS -> Enable TCP/IP
  • Restart SQL Server Service: You will have to restart the SQL Server(SQLEXPRESS) after enabling TCP/IP

SQL Server 2008 Server Permissions

Database Properties File for Spring Project

  • database.url=jdbc:jtds:sqlserver://[local PC Computer
    name];instance=SQLEXPRESS;DatabaseName=[db name];

  • database.username=[Your user name] database.password=[Your password]

  • database.driverClassName=net.sourceforge.jtds.jdbc.Driver

If you want to view larger screen shots and better formatting of the answer with more details please view the blog article below: Setting up a Local Instance of SQL Server 2008 Blog Post:

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