Cannot Login To SQL Server

Question

Hi,

Yesterday, I downloaded and installed Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Express Edition. However, when I try to login through the Database Management Studio, I get the following error:

Cannot connect to (local).

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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)

I'm logging into (local) through the Database Engine and with Windows Authentication. My username is MARTY-PC\Marty.

I have no idea what the problem is. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I'm logging into (local) through the Database Engine and with Windows Authentication. My username is MARTY-PC\Marty.

Hello,

By default a SQL Server Express Edition is installed as named instance "SQLEXPRESS", so please try it with

(local)\SQLEXPRESS

as server name,

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Olaf Helper
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Answer 2

Tried that. Didn't work...

Answer 3

This should help http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/2102.how-to-troubleshoot-connecting-to-the-sql-server-database-engine.aspx

Answer 4

Thanks for sending. It looks like I have no SQLExpress server running. When I choose SQL Server Services in the Server Configuration Manager, the right-pane is totally blank. What can I do about this? Am I missing some files, perhaps?

Answer 5

This could help with the general steps http://blogs.msdn.com/b/petersad/archive/2009/11/13/how-to-install-sql-server-2008-r2-express-edition-november-ctp.aspx and may show if you missed something.

NB: SQL Server 2012 Express Edition is also now available http://www.microsoft.com/betaexperience/pd/SQLEXPCTAV2/enus/default.aspx