 <p>Based on this comment:</p> <blockquote> <blockquote> <p>Trying .\SQLEXPRESS in SQL Server Management Studio Express throws an error that says that "This version of Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express can only be used to connect to SQL Server 2005 servers". So this is the problem, I think. </p> </blockquote> </blockquote> <p><code>.\SQLEXPRESS</code> is the correct server name, but you have the wrong version of client tools (SQL Server Management Studio). To find out the version of SQL you are connecting to, there are a number of suggestions here: <a href="https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/1140/how-to-tell-what-sql-server-version-you-are-running/" rel="nofollow">https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/1140/how-to-tell-what-sql-server-version-you-are-running/</a></p> <p>But since you can't connect yet the easiest thing to do is go searching for <code>sqlserver.exe</code>, right click, properties, version. If you have multiple version you need take note of the folder that it's in and check the SQLExpress one. You can also check in services.</p> <p>Once you've worked out the version, download and install just the management tools for that version.</p>