After you install SQL Server Express, you should perform several post-installation checks to ensure the installation was successful and is configured correctly for your needs.
Here are some key test procedures to evaluate an installation of SQL Server Express:
Verify the Installation: You can use the SQL Server features discovery report from the SQL Server Installation Center to confirm the version of SQL Server and the features that were installed. This report provides a detailed view of all products and components installed on the machine. You can also run a T-SQL query in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) using SELECT @@VERSION to get the version, edition, and patch level.
Check Services and Connectivity: Confirm that the SQL Server service is running. You can do this through SQL Server Configuration Manager or the Windows Services console (services.msc). You should also verify network connectivity. SQL Server Express may not have TCP/IP enabled by default, so you might need to enable it in SQL Server Configuration Manager and ensure the correct port (often 1433) is open in the firewall.
Connect with a Client: Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to connect to the new instance. This is a crucial step to confirm that the server is accessible and that your login credentials (either Windows Authentication or a SQL Server login) are working.
Review Post-Installation Best Practices: Beyond a basic functional check, you should configure your new instance for security and performance. This includes:
Memory Settings: By default, SQL Server's maximum memory is set to a very high value, which can be an issue on a server running other applications. It's recommended to set a reasonable maximum memory limit to leave enough RAM for the operating system and other services.
Database Paths: Change the default file locations for new databases, logs, and tempdb to be on dedicated drives for better performance and manageability.
SQL Server Agent: Set up SQL Server Agent, which is a key component for automating tasks like backups, integrity checks, and maintenance.
Security: Ensure proper login auditing is enabled and that unnecessary accounts, like the built-in Administrators group, are removed from the sysadmin fixed server role.
This video demonstrates common post-installation tasks for SQL Server.
Setting up SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to connect to a default server instance is straightforward. When you open SSMS for the first time, it should automatically prompt you with the Connect to Server dialog box.
Launch SSMS: Open SQL Server Management Studio from your Start menu.
Connect to Server Dialog: The Connect to Server dialog box should appear automatically. If it doesn't, click the Connect button on the toolbar and select Database Engine.
Server Name: In the Server name field, type (local) or a single period (.). These are common aliases for the default server on your local machine. If you know the specific server name, you can also use that (e.g., DESKTOP-ABC123\MSSQLSERVER).
Authentication: Choose your authentication method.
Windows Authentication: This is the most common and secure option if you're logged into the computer with an account that has permissions on the SQL Server.
SQL Server Authentication: You'll need to enter a Login and Password for a specific SQL Server user account.
Connect: Click Connect. If the connection is successful, you'll see the Object Explorer populated with your server, databases, and other objects.
If you encounter issues, ensure the SQL Server service is running. You can check this using the SQL Server Configuration Manager application.
Server not found: Make sure the SQL Server service is running. Search for and open SQL Server Configuration Manager, navigate to SQL Server Services, and check that the SQL Server (
) service has a Running status.
Login failed: Double-check the username and password for SQL Server Authentication, or ensure your Windows account has the necessary permissions.
Firewall blocking connection: In some cases, your firewall might be blocking the connection. You may need to create an inbound rule to allow traffic on the port SQL Server is using (default is TCP port 1433 for a default instance).
If you're still unable to connect after trying the common server names, it indicates a deeper issue, and there are several things you'll need to troubleshoot as the systems administrator. The problem is likely related to the SQL Server service, network protocols, or the firewall.
SQL Server isn't just a program; it's a service that must be running in the background.
Open SQL Server Configuration Manager: Find and open this tool from the Start menu.
Navigate to SQL Server Services: In the left pane, click on "SQL Server Services."
Check the Status: In the right pane, look at the "State" column for your instance (e.g., SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)). It must say Running. If it's stopped, right-click it and select Start.
Even if the service is running, it might not be configured to accept connections.
In SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand "SQL Server Network Configuration" in the left pane.
Click on Protocols for MSSQLSERVER (or the name of your instance).
In the right pane, ensure that TCP/IP is Enabled. If it's disabled, right-click it and select Enable. You may need to restart the SQL Server service for this change to take effect.
The Windows Firewall can block incoming connections to SQL Server.
You must create a new inbound rule to allow traffic on the correct port.
The default port for the default instance is 1433.
Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security: Search for this in the Start menu.
In the left pane, select Inbound Rules, then click New Rule... in the right pane.
Choose Port, then click Next.
Select TCP, enter 1433 in the "Specific local ports" field, and click Next.
Choose Allow the connection, then click Next and finish creating the rule.
If your SQL Server instance is a named instance, or if you changed the default port, you will need to find the correct port number to allow in the firewall.