title: Unable to connect to SQL server 2008 R2 via Instance name?
body: <p>I don't understand :</p>
  <p>I've installed sql server 2008 R2. the installation process asked me for the desired instance name  , so I wrote: <code>MSSQLSERVER</code>.</p>
  <p>after the installation , running <em>Setup Discovery Report</em> does shows me the instance name :</p>
  <p><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/zICUw.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></p>
  <p>I've also installed all the service packs.</p>
  <p>Also , all the services are up :</p>
  <p><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/VJwxe.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></p>
  <p>Also , all the ports are open ( tcp:1433 + udp :1434)</p>
  <p><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/8K9ch.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></p>
  <p><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/2xOhq.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></p>
  <p>Also , Named pipes are on : <img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/N1ZoV.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></p>
  <p>So ,  where is the problem ?</p>
  <p>I'm unable  to connect via the instance name :
  <img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/UmkgB.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></p>
  <p>Also unable   with :</p>
  <p><code>user\MSSQLSERVER</code> where <code>user</code> is the computer name.</p>
  <p>Also unable  with : <code>.\MSSQLSERVER</code></p>
  <p><strong>But</strong> (weird) :</p>
  <p>Those 4 <strong>do</strong> work : (when I try to connect to them)</p>
  <ul>
  <li><code>user</code> ( &quot;user&quot; is my machine name)</li>
  <li><code>(local)</code></li>
  <li><code>.</code></li>
  <li><code>localhost</code></li>
  </ul>
  <p>Question :</p>
  <p>why I can't use my instance name to connect to my sql server ?</p>
  <p>Related info :</p>
  <p>After connecting via one of the 4 who work  , I run a helpful info :</p>
  <p><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/A3uIc.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></p>
  <p>p.s. to be honets , I also asked this question in dba's stack site. ( cause I didn't know to which it more related)</p>