Unable to connect to SQL server 2008 R2 via Instance name?

Question

I don't understand :

I've installed sql server 2008 R2. the installation process asked me for the desired instance name , so I wrote: MSSQLSERVER.

after the installation , running Setup Discovery Report does shows me the instance name :

I've also installed all the service packs.

Also , all the services are up :

Also , all the ports are open ( tcp:1433 + udp :1434)

Also , Named pipes are on :

So , where is the problem ?

I'm unable to connect via the instance name :

Also unable with :

user\MSSQLSERVER where user is the computer name.

Also unable with : .\MSSQLSERVER

But (weird) :

Those 4 do work : (when I try to connect to them)

• user ( "user" is my machine name)
• (local)
• .
• localhost

Question :

why I can't use my instance name to connect to my sql server ?

Related info :

After connecting via one of the 4 who work , I run a helpful info :

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)

Answer 1

You are trying to connect to default instance of SQL Server. And for that you don't connect to instance using instance name but rather server name.

So for example if your machine name is DBServer and you are using default instance MSSQLSERVER, then you can simply connect to that instance either by specifying server name DBServer or (local) or . (just a dot)