Sql-server – Cannot connect to local SQL Server Express 2008 R2

sql serversql-server-express

I just installed SQL Server Express 2008 R2 and I have a problem connecting to it using the SQL Server Management Studio (locally).

All SQL Server services are started (SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS), SQL Server browser, also the DTC service)

When I try to connect I get the following message:

TITLE: Connect to Server

Cannot connect to (local).

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: Named Pipes
Provider, error: 40 – Could not open a
connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft
SQL Server, Error: 2)

Best Answer

Are you connecting to the local express instance? Try this as your server: .\SQLEXPRESS