Error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified

Question

I have Windows 7 SP1 on 64 bit.

I just reinstalled SQL Server 2008 Express R2 and get the following error:

"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 rrremote connections. (provide:SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26-

Error Locating Server/Instance Specified) (Microsoft SQL Server)"

I am new to SQL Server Express and would like some help getting this resolved. I have already view previous questions regarding this error and still need some help.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer 1

when did you get the error ?

could you use SQL Server Configuration Manager tool to check for the correct instance name and if TPC/IP protocol is enabled and if the instance is running.

if you connect to SQL Server Express on another computer check that the firewall on the remote computer does not block incoming traffic.

Answer 2

I should have been clearer in my question. I am not connecting to a remote computer. TCP/IP is enabled. Name Pipes is also enabled. I get the error when I attempt to connect to a server. .\SQLEXPRESS is selected as the server name. I do not see others listed when I choose browse. Where exactly do I look in Configuration Manager to see the instance name? I see a host name. Below that the name is "SQL Server (SQL2008)". I earlier removed sql server 2008 express browser service thinking I would get it back when I reinstalled SQL Server 2008 Express. I no longer see it listed in Control Panel. I am still going through some earlier questions to see what I missed. I had it right earlier.

Thanks for the response.

Answer 3

SQL Server Configuration Manager is started from from Run Command or from "All Programs -> SQL Server 2008 -> Configuration ..Tools"

the installed SQL Server instance are than listed under the node SQL 2008 services and they appear than in the right pane.

Answer 4

I was looking in the right place. I just wanted make sure.

SQL Server (SQL2008) is listed and is running

SQL Server Agent (SQL2008) is listed and is not running. I do not have the option to start it.

I am using Window Authentication to connect. I just want to make sure I'm providing all information.

Answer 5

read you answer above and compare it with your original question - did you see the point ?

you've installed SQL 2008 as SQL2008 instance but you're trying to connect to SQL Express with instance name .\SQLExpress and therefore you could not connect.

Answer 6

Thanks.I don't see an option to select SQL2008 as the instance for the connection. That is what is throwing me off. I'm sure it's a simple solution.

Answer 7

Thanks.I don't see an option to select SQL2008 as the instance for the connection. That is what is throwing me off. I'm sure it's a simple solution.

what type of application are you using  where you can't configure the connection to the SQL Server?

could you connect to the SQL 2008 instance using SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio)

Answer 8

I am using SSMS. It says I am not connected to a server. I did not have this problem until after I reinstalled. I installed SQLManagementStudio_x64_ENU(1).exe.

I don't know if I need to install another file.

Answer 9

Should I reinstall and choose the instance name during installation? I do not know if that has anything to do with my problem.

Answer 10

could you connect to the default instance ? use "." or "localhost" to connect to the server.

Answer 11

I had tried localhost earlier and got the same results.

I just did a restore back to the point before I reinstalled SQL Server 2008. Now I have other problems. I am unable to start the instances under Configuration Manager. The two instance listed are SQL Server(SQL2008) and SQL Server(SQLEXPRESS).

The  event log ---  Error2(The system cannot find the file specified.) c:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10_50.SQL2008\MSSQL\DATA\master.mdf

This is a separate issue so I should probably start another thread.

Thanks for you help.

Answer 12

I got it working. It was just a careless error. Instead of installing SQLManagementStudio_x64_ENU(1).exe, I needed to install SQLEXPRWT_x64_ENU.exe. That is the file with tools. I thought the other file had everything I needed.

I did have some other errors or I would not have reinstalled in the first place. I took care of those errors.

Thanks for helping. You suggested all of the right things.