I have installed sql server 2014 and chose a named instance on install but cannot connect to this from within management studio.
I have verified my sql service is running.
the service shows account - NT Service\MSSQL$ALPHA
I cannot log in with this or MSSQL$ALPHA or ALPHA which was the instance name...
what do I actually enter to log in as?
While login did you get any error msg?
If yes share the message. It would be helpful to fix issue.
Note:
You will get more details from event_log.
Kindly attach this as well if you can.
To login to a named instance - the format of the connection is: {servername}{instance name}
If the instance is local you can use: .\ALPHA
If the instance is remote you need to specify the server: {server}\ALPHA
If the service broker is not running, then you have to specify the server (or IP address) and the port: {server},{port}
You can allow access in on TCP port 1433 and also turn your firewall back on and just put in a custom rule for that port, inbound.
Did you get any error msg, as say 'Victory' then please share for the better help.