Question : How to solve SQL Server 2008 R2 error, cannot connect to SQLSERVER error 53

I have just install SQL Server 2008 R2 and the installation went perfectly.

But, I cannot access the Database with SQL Server Management Studio, I have it set to mixed mode (SQL Server authentication, and Windows Authentication) but neither work.

I have set TCP/IP and Named Pipes to enabled in the SQL Server Configuration Manager, and am no longer sure what to do.

When i try to login using either Windows Authentication or SQL Server Authentication the error I receive is:
"Cannot connect to MSSQLSERVER.
A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 53)"

I think my computer may not be finding the database, when I go to '<Browse for more...>' when choosing the 'Server name:' it does not find the database.

If anyone can help that would be a great help.

Thanks

Answer : How to solve SQL Server 2008 R2 error, cannot connect to SQLSERVER error 53

Simply set the "Dock" property of the Grid to "Top". If you don't want the grid to be full width, put it in a panel, then set the panel's "Dock" property to "Top>

Wayne