title: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management Studio - Connect/Server/Instance Issue
body: <p>firstly i recently installed this program as I’m working on a project to create a database to use in Microsoft visual studio.</p>
  
  <p>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.</p>
  
  <p>Error: </p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>TITLE: Connect to Server</p>
    
    <p>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)</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>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.</p>
  
  <p>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.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks.</p>