Why can I not connect to SQL on my computer?

Question

I am using SQL Server 2008 express edition. I have connected before. Now I get this error message:

TITLE: Connect to Server

Cannot connect to GEF65439\SQLEXPRESS.

------------------------------ 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: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 2)

For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&EvtSrc=MSSQLServer&EvtID=2&LinkId=20476

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OK

Answer 1

Take a look at Administrative Tools\Services and restart your process SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS).

Answer 2

Check if the Sql Server service is started in Administrative Tools -> Services.

What happens when you telnet to the Sql Server port, by default 1433?

telnet localhost 1433