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

All you need to do is to go to the control panel > Computer Management > Services and manually start the SQL express or SQL server. It worked for me.

Good luck.