Why Can't I Connect To My Local Sql Server Database Instance?

I installed SQL Server 2008 (not express) on my PC, but when tried to connect with SSMS, got this message: A network-related or instance specific error occured while established

Solution 1:

GO TO>> Run Command (Ctrl + r ) 

Type -- services.msc

go toSQL SERVER >>Right Click >> Click Start 

Again Restart SQL SERVER Studio

Solution 2:

Here are some troubleshooting tips that you can do:

• Try to run your SSMS as admin
• Make sure that you are using the correct server name and instance
• Check if your sql server service is running by going to run -> services.msc -> Check SQL Server(Instance Name) service if it is running

Solution 3:

Error 40 has many reasons, some of them are related to network configurations which are out of scope in your question. Other reasons which may cause this error and has possibility in your question are as follow:

1. Make sure that SQL SERVER(XXX) service is running by visiting sql server configuration manager section
2. Make sure that SQL Browser service is running by visiting sql server configuration manager section
3. Make sure you are using the correct instance name

Read more about this error

Solution 4:

If your server is Local. Try to login with server name . or (local).

If you are still not able to login, check Check SQL Server Configuration Manager (Start>All Programs>MS SQL Server>Configuration Tools>Configuration Manager)