Unable to connect to the database engine using SQL Server management studio

Question

I installed SQLManagementStudio_x64_ENU from Microsoft site on my Windows 7 Home Premium. It gave me compatibility warnings but I still installed because Microsoft site specified that I would receive warnings but suggested to click on Run Program, which I did.

It was successfully installed. I checked Services.msc, and I can see two SQL Server services are running. I checked SQL Server Configuration, and I can see services running under automatic mode, and the agent is off.

When I open my management studio and try to connect using "Server name" option, I can't see any server instance in browse option. There are no servers to connect. I am not able to connect to the database engine. I have tried at least 10 times, but still, it's not allowing me to connect.

I get the following error:

A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a 
connectionto 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) (.Net SqlClient Data Provider)

Can someone help me with this problem?

Answer 1

In the Connect to server dialog of the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), type <your machine name>\SQLServer2008 to connect to SQLServer2008 instance. Otherwise, type <your machine name> alone in the server name text box to connect to the default instance SQLExpress.

Following link discusses how to fix the error Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Dmf.PolicyStore

SSMS 2008 on Windows 7 throws exception when connecting Object Explorer