Unable to connect to SQL Express "Error: 26-Error Locating Server/Instance Specified)

Question

I am at an loose end with one particular box that is running SQL Server 2008 R2 Express.

• Windows Firewall is configured to allow inbound TCP & UDP 1433, 14

Answer 1

Go to SQL Server Configuration Manager > SQL Server Services > In Right Side window show all the servers which may stop. If you are using "SQLEXPRESS" then , Right click on SQL Server(SQLEXPRESS) and start. After try to connect server... I had same problem but I resolved by these steps.