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I have tried multiple server names for logging in to SSMS 19.1 via windows authentication. Localhost, IP address, device name, local and several other attempts don't exist. Not able to see configuration manager to find server instance. The last option is device name\server instance which I am unable to find. Please advise.
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Here are some suggestions on how to find the correct server name using SSMS 19.1 with Windows authentication:
Try using the default server name: You can attempt to connect using the default server name "localhost" or a period (.) without the quotes. These are commonly used to connect to the local SQL Server instance. Simply enter "localhost" or "." in the Server Name field and click on the Connect button to see if it works.
Access the SQL Server Configuration Manager: The SQL Server Configuration Manager provides a way to view the installed SQL Server instances on your machine. To open it:
a. Go to the Start menu and search for "SQL Server Configuration Manager". b. Launch the Configuration Manager and look for sections such as "SQL Server Services" or "SQL Server Network Configuration". c. Expand these sections to find the installed instances and their corresponding names.
a. Click on the "Browse" button next to the Server Name field. b. A Browse for Servers window will open, displaying a list of available SQL Server instances on your network. c. Select the desired instance from the list and click "OK" to populate the Server Name field.
Seek assistance from your system administrator: If you are still unable to find the correct server name, it would be beneficial to reach out to your system administrator or IT department. They will have the necessary information to provide you with the accurate server name or help troubleshoot any configuration or connectivity issues.
Please keep in mind that the steps and options provided are general suggestions, and the specific process may vary depending on your system setup and version of SSMS. For more precise guidance, it is advisable to consult the official documentation for SSMS or seek assistance from your system administrator.
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Hi @Verlin Taylor
Did these answers help you? If the answer is useful, please click Accept Answer to let others with similar questions quickly find answers. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know.
Best regards,
Aniya
No they did not help. "LocalHost" and .Localhost generated errors. I did find SS Configuration Manager. I am using SSMS 19.1.
I did find SS Configuration Manager.
Can you share a screenshot of what you see in the SQL Server Services tab?
Not able to see configuration manager to find server instance.
Then you may have only installed SSMS = tool, but not SQL Server database engine?
Check it in Windows Service Manager, if a SQL Server service exists and it's running.
That is correct Olaf. I need to download SQL Server Express and the DB instance was automatically installed. It connected immediately.
To be able to answer your question, we need to know your environment, and we don't. That is, we have no idea where the SQL Server instances may reside.
If you are in a corporate environment, ask the DBA, the IT people or someone else who is responsible.
If you are at home, can you tell us where you installed SQL Server? Or did you install SQL Server? Occasionally, we see posts from people who have only installed SSMS, and are getting nowhere. SSMS is only a tool to connect to SQL Server. It is not SQL Server itself. With SSMS alone, you cannot do much.
Hi @Verlin Taylor
Yes, as Erland said, where is your SQL Server installed?
This document describes the steps to connect to the database engine: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/lesson-1-connecting-to-the-database-engine?view=sql-server-ver16, maybe you can use it as a reference.
Best regards,
Aniya
My SSMS is installed on my personal laptop. I am accessing it from HOME not a corporate environment.