Getting error after installing sql server 08 Express edition

Question

I have installed SQL server 08 express edition and then tried to connect using SQL server management studio, but getting below error:

TITLE: Connect to Server

Cannot connect to My-PC\SQLSERVER.

------------------------------ 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+SQL+Server&EvtSrc=MSSQLServer&EvtID=-1&LinkId=20476

------------------------------ BUTTONS:

OK

any clue.

Answer 1

Are you sure you are referencing the correct SQL Server name? I think the default instance name is SQLEXPRESS. So, you might try connecting to .\SQLEXPRESS, where "." represents the local computer.