Can’t see my SQL Server instance on the Login Screen

Q: When I press the button to search for my SQL Server (running locally on my machine), it supplies my machine name but not the sql server name (for example MACHINE\SQLEXPRESS).

A: If running Sql Server Express, enter:

(local)\sqlexpress

This is the default instance installed for sqlexpress and should allow you to then select the correct database.

If you installed a named instance of SQL Server, you will need to enter the instance name after your computer name, for example:

MACHINE\INSTANCENAME

If you are still unable to connect, ensure that your SQL Server instance is running and that remote connections are enabled. You may also need to check your firewall settings to ensure that SQL Server traffic is not being blocked.

For more information on enabling remote connections, please contact you database administrator or refer to the Microsoft SQL Server documentation.