Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management Studio - Connect/Server/Instance Issue
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firstly i recently installed this program as I’m working on a project to create a database to use in Microsoft visual studio.

This is the first time I’m using the program, so I’m having a few problems setting it up. I can't connect to a server because presumably i don't have one. I typed in my machine name to create a default/localhost server using windows authentication but i received an error.

Error: 

> TITLE: Connect to Server
> 
> A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while
> establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or
> was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that
> SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: Named
> Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server)
> (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 2)

Could someone guide me on how i can setup up a local host to connect and thus be able to create my database. Also I’d like to know afterwards how i can create a server (ftp) to connect into and create my database there allowing me to view this on my laptop or a different machine.

Btw i have looked on Google for this, but I’m getting a bit confused, because I’m unsure what I’m searching for. If anyone can shed some light on my problem i would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
