SQL Server 2008 R2 can't connect to local database in Management Studio

Question

I am using SQL Server 2008 R2 Express.

I first installed SQL Server 2008 R2 Express Management Studio and then I installed SQL Server 2008 R2 Express. I have the ins

Answer 1

I also received this error when the service stopped. Here's another path to start your service...

1. Search for "Services" in you start menu like so and click on it:

2. Find the service for the instance you need started and select it (shown below)
3. Click start (shown below)

Note: As Kenan stated, if your services Startup Type is not set to Automatic, then you probably want to double click on the service and set it to Automatic.