Installed SQL server management studio 2012, but there are no instances running

Question

So, as it says, I installed sql server (2012 express), and during installation I checked the option LocalDB. Now I'm trying to connect to the database engine, but can't. I've tried connecting with windows authentication (to local, and localhost), with sa-user and no password and a bunch of other stuff.

When I visit the configuration tool and try to se what my instance is called, I see a new problem. There's nothing running at all. Under SQL Server configuration manager (local) --> SQL Server Services there's nothing.

What am I missing? Obviously I've missed som step where I start something up, but for the life of me I don't know what. Help!

Open up services.msc, have a look at the SQL Server services, what **exact** ones are listed? — Arran, Aug 29 '12 at 12:11
The point about LocalDB is, that there is no service. Have a look here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/ms233817%28VS.110%29.aspx — Mithrandir, Aug 29 '12 at 12:13
did you only install client tools or you also install SQL service? — sqlhdv, Aug 29 '12 at 12:14
@Arran It's completely empty, "there are no items to show in this view" — stinaq, Aug 29 '12 at 12:41
@Mithrandir Ok, I'm not sure I completely understand, but what does that mean, how do I connect to my database engine? — stinaq, Aug 29 '12 at 12:42

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Aug 29 '12 at 12:14

3

just use localhost\sqlexpress with Windows Authentication

You can also Try .\SQLExpress

answered Aug 29 '12 at 12:14

Vishal Suthar

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score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 04 '13 at 14:37

http://www.stratospher.es/blog/post/connecting-to-localdb-with-sql-server-management-studio-2012-ssms

LocalDB doesn't create any database services; LocalDB processes are started and stopped automatically when needed. The application is just connecting to "Data Source=(localdb)\v11.0" and LocalDB process is started as a child process of the application. A few minutes after the last connection to this process is closed the process shuts down.

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 19 '15 at 12:05

2

I had the same issue and was able to connect using (localdb)\v11.0 with Windows Authentication.

answered Mar 19 '15 at 12:05

Graham Baitson

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Installed SQL server management studio 2012, but there are no instances running

3 Answers3