SQL Server 2008 R2 can't connect to local database in Management Studio

Question

I am using SQL Server 2008 R2 Express.

I first installed SQL Server 2008 R2 Express Management Studio and then I installed SQL Server 2008 R2 Express. I have the instance SQLEXPRESS running and it is set to automatic.

I am trying to connect to it locally using Windows authentication - server name is set to local and the username is grayed out and set to my profile username.

When I try to connect I get the following error:

Have I installed the wrong SQL Server Management Studio?

Answer 1

If your instance is called SQLEXPRESS, then you need to use .\SQLEXPRESS or (local)\SQLEXPRESS or yourMachineName\SQLEXPRESS as your server name - if you have a named instance, you need to specify that name of the instance in your server name.

Answer 2

Your "SQL Server Browser" service has to be started too.

Browse to Computer Management > Services.

Find find "SQL Server Browser"

1. set it to Automatic
2. and also Manually start it (2)

Hope it helps.