I installed 2017 LocalDB, then 18.6 MSSMS. But I couldn't connect to server.

Question

TITLE: Connect to Server

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Cannot connect to MY-PC\SQLEXPRESS.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: -1)

For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft%20SQL%20Server&EvtSrc=MSSQLServer&EvtID=-1&LinkId=20476

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BUTTONS:

OK

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Answer 1

Go to SQL server congratulations manager, start your sql services!

Answer 2

Hi,

>MY-PC\SQLEXPRESS

It looks like you are using the SSMS to connect to a local SQL Server named instance.

Please use the SQL Server Configuration Manager to verify the instance is running and get the instance name, then make sure to enter the correct instance name(The name of the name instance is <computer name>\<instance name>).

More details please refer to Troubleshoot connecting to the SQL Server Database Engine.

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