SSMS Server Name

Michel Mouckomey 1 Reputation point
2021-04-05T19:28:22.2+00:00

Hello,

I recently installed SSMS as part of a school assignment, but I can't figure out my server or instance name to begin using SSMS. I've tried entering my computer name but that didn't work.

SQL Server
SQL Server
A family of Microsoft relational database management and analysis systems for e-commerce, line-of-business, and data warehousing solutions.
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  1. Erland Sommarskog 100.9K Reputation points MVP
    2021-04-05T19:46:07.427+00:00

    It could be that your school has a common SQL Server instance which are you are supposed to use. In that case, you will need to ask your teacher.

    It could also be the case that you were supposed to download and install SQL Server on your own computer. SSMS is just the query tool and is useless without an SQL Server instance to connect to.

    I could give you download links, but what would be a bad idea, if the school is providing you with an instance, so again I recommend that you ask your teacher.

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  2. AmeliaGu-MSFT 13,961 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-04-06T02:54:23.383+00:00

    Hi @Michel Mouckomey ,

    I've tried entering my computer name but that didn't work.

    Have you or your teacher installed SQL Server default instance on your computer?
    If you have not, then you need to install SQL Server first, as SSMS is GUI Administration Tool for SQL Server. Please refer to SQL Server installation guide and Step By Step Installation Guide which might help.
    If you have installed the SQL Server instance, could you please share us the detailed error massage? Please make sure the SQL Server instance is running in the SQL Server configuration Manager.

    Best Regards,
    Amelia

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