Connecting to SQL Server Express - What is my server name?
Instead of giving:
./SQLEXPRESS //in the Server NameI put this:
.\SQLEXPRESS //which solved my problem
You should be able to see it in the Services panel. Look for a servicename like Sql Server (MSSQLSERVER). The name in the parentheses is your instance name.
If sql server is installed on your machine, you should check
Programs -> Microsoft SQL Server 20XX -> Configuration Tools -> SQL Server Configuration Manager -> SQL Server ServicesYou'll see "SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)"
Programs -> Microsoft SQL Server 20XX -> Configuration Tools -> SQL Server Configuration Manager -> SQL Server Network Configuration -> Protocols for MSSQLSERVER -> TCP/IPMake sure it's using port number 1433
If you want to see if the port is open and listening try this from your command prompt...telnet 127.0.0.1 1433
And yes, SQL Express installs use localhost\SQLEXPRESS as the instance name by default.