cannot connect to pc-name\SQLEXPRESS

Question

While trying to connect to SQL server 2005 standard edition through SQL Server Management Studio 2005 I get the following error:

Answer 1

I'm Running Windows 10 and this worked for me:

1. Open services by searching in the toolbar for Services.
2. Right click SQL Server (SQLEXPESS)
3. Go To Properties - Log On
4. Check Local System Account & Allow service to interact with desktop.
5. Apply and restart service.
6. I was then able to connect

Answer 2

Go to services (services.msc) and restart the services in the image and then try to connect.

Answer 3

Initialize the SQL Server Browser Service.

Answer 4

Follow these steps then you solve your problem 100%.

1. When you get this error then close everything(Microsoft SQL Server Managment):

2. Then open command prompt by pressing (window + r) keys and type services.msc and click OK or press Enter key.

3. And search **SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) as I show in the image.

4. Now see left upper side and click start.

5. If you open Microsoft SQL Server Management then you not get any type error.

Enjoy!!!

Answer 5

If you have Microsoft Windows 10:

1. Type Control Panel on Cortana search bar (which is says by default 'Type here to search').
2. Click on Administrative Tools
3. Then click on Services
4. Scroll down and look for: SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS), after that right click
5. And then in the pop out windows click on Start

Now you should be able to connect to your pc-name\SQLEXPRESS