How to find server name of SQL Server Management Studio
sql-server-2008, ssms, visual-studio-2010
Solution
Open up `SQL Server Configuration Manager` (search for it in the Start menu). Click on `SQL Server Services`. The instance name of SQL Server is in parenthesis inline with `SQL Server` service. If it says MSSQLSERVER, then it's the default instance. To connect to it in Management Studio, just type `.` (dot) OR `(local)` and click Connect. If the instance name is different, then use `.\[instance name]` to connect to it (for example if the instance name is SQL2008, connect to `.\SQL2008`).
Also make sure `SQL Server` and `SQL Server Browser` services are running, otherwise you won't be able to connect.
Edit:
Here's a screenshot of how it looks like on my machine. In this case, I have two instances installed: `SQLExpress` and `SQL2008`.
Problem
I installed Microsoft SQL Server 2008. When I start SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), I get the `Connect to Server` login window with a blank textbox for `Server name`. I have tried a lot of names, but I couldn't solve it. How can I find / get the server name?