SQL Server Express Setup I'm definitely a Database newbie and I'm trying to get SQL Sever Express set up so I can create and play with a database. I managed to install SQL Server Express 2012 before and It allready had the Server name populated. I was able to go in and use commands to create a database and then play with queries.

My laptop (which had it set up correctly) has since died and I need to set it up on my desktop.

Before, the server name was Name-PC/SQLEXRESS. When I try to use that this time though it acts like that is not correct.

I also installed LocalDB because I think that's what I need...

I know this might be a bit vague but I'm at a loss to how to get this set up so I can create the database.

Thanks in advance.
Open SQL Server Configuration Manager (Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL Server 2012 > Configuration Tools). Look at the SQL Server Services node; you should see something like this:


  


If that right pane is empty, or if you can't find Configuration Manager installed at all, then you don't have SQL Server installed. Go download the latest version (SQL Server 2014) from here:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=42299

You want ExpressAndTools 64BIT\SQLEXPRWT_x64_ENU.exe, unless you're on a 32-bit system for some reason, then you want ExpressAndTools 32BIT\SQLEXPRWT_x86_ENU.exe.

Download that, and try the setup again. You may not be able to name this instance SQLEXPRESS; that's okay, some people have many instances installed and they can't all have the same name.