Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management Studio - Connect/Server/Instance Issue

Question

firstly i recently installed this program as I’m working on a project to create a database to use in Microsoft visual studio.

This is the first time I’m using the program, so I’m having a few problems setting it up. I can't connect to a server because presumably i don't have one. I typed in my machine name to create a default/localhost server using windows authentication but i received an error.

Error:

TITLE: Connect to Server

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)

Could someone guide me on how i can setup up a local host to connect and thus be able to create my database. Also I’d like to know afterwards how i can create a server (ftp) to connect into and create my database there allowing me to view this on my laptop or a different machine.

Btw i have looked on Google for this, but I’m getting a bit confused, because I’m unsure what I’m searching for. If anyone can shed some light on my problem i would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Answer 1

1. Does Your server name looks like : "localhost ( or IP of Your server )"\"server name", E.G : localhost\SQLEXPRESS
2. Open application on Start -> -> Configuration Tools -> SQL Server Configuration Manager
3. Check, if MSSQL Server Service was started in :Sql Server Configuration Manager -> SQL Server Services. If not, right click on service and choose Start
4. Check on Configuration Manager on "SQL Server Network Configuration" does "TCP\IP" protocol is enabled and has "Listen All" enabled
5. Check, do You have firewall on port 1433

If that doesn't help, write a message

Answer 2

I faced same problem and I have solve this problem by doing following 2 step:

1st Task:

Open application on Start -> -> Configuration Tools -> SQL Server Configuration Manager Check, if MSSQL Server Service was started in :Sql Server Configuration Manager -> SQL Server Services. If not, right click on service and choose Start Check on Configuration Manager on "SQL Server Network Configuration" does "TCP\IP" protocol is enabled and has "Listen All" enabled

2nd Task: Provide Server Name : [hostname]\SQLEXPRESS Authentication : SQL Server Authentication or Windows authentication Note: If Server you have installed with Mixex mode then only it will work for SA (SQL Server Authentication) or else we need to used Windows authentication

Now you should be able to connect if you follow this 2 task.

Answer 3

-> Go To SQL Server Configuration Manager
-> Click to SQL Server Services
-> Right click to SQL Server(MSSQLSERVER) and click start, then see the magic.