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

I got a similar problem with sql server , I have tried every thing but does not connect to database engine & it shows error:26.

• First check if the database engine is running or not. by going into configuration manager. start > sql server >sql server configuration manager. On the right pane you should see the sql server (mss .. ) should be running state with a green indication.

• IF the database engine is not running, simply uninstall sql server / format your system if possible and then download sql server 2012 and management studio. from
  https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/download/details.aspx?id=29062

• Install server first, make sure to add server on installation phase
  by clicking add server and then install management studio.