Question : SQL Server 2008. Cannot log in the first time after installation.

SQL Server 200 Standard.
SP1.

SQL Newbie here.

After installing SQL Server 2008, I am unable to log in / "Connect to Server".

When I originally installed SQL 2008 about an hour ago, on the Server Configuration page, on the Service Accounts tab, I selected a Local User account that is part of the Local Admin Group for all of the SQL Services.

When I originally installed SQL 2008 about an hour ago, on the Database Engine Configuration page, I changed from the default of Windows Authentication Mode to Mixed Mode, and entered the password.  All appeared ok at this point.

The Installation completed Successfully.

So I navigated to:
Start -> All Programs -> Microsoft SQL Server 2008 -> SQL Server Mangement Studio

Then I get my SQL Server 2008 'Connect to Server" log in box:
Server Type: Database Engine
Server Name: (local)
Authentication: Windows Authentication
User Name :  SERVER1\Administrator  <--THIS IS GREYED OUT!!!! so I cannot change this.
Password: (This is BLANK and GREYED OUT!!!)
Then I select 'Connect'
And finally I get the following error message:
"Cannot connect to (local)
Additional Information: "Login failed for user SERVER1\Administrator. Microsoft SQL Server,
Error: 18456

Why is it greyed out?
Why do I not get the option to select a different account, like the special account I created called SqlServicesAccount that I set up to start the SQL Services?
Is there a problem because my server is not on a domain?  Can't I use a local admin account?

If I select SQL Server Authentication, I am able to add a user id and password here.  Does the user id and password that put here have to be created within SQL first?

Thanks

Answer : SQL Server 2008. Cannot log in the first time after installation.

Hi,

User Name :  SERVER1\Administrator  <--THIS IS GREYED OUT!!!! so I cannot change this.

This greyed out because the console is attempting to loging using WINDOWS AUTHENTICATION which is considered integrated and runs under the logged in user profile.

change Authentication to SQL Server Authentication and login with the "sa" account and password you during the setup phase.

you install is fine.

-Hades666