How to connect to SQL Server with SQL Server Management Studio

Before you attempt to connect, make sure you have created a database in Control Panel.

To connect to your SQL database using SQL Server Management Studio, follow the steps listed below:

Open SQL Server Management Studio, the Connect to Server window will open. Select/enter the following:

    * Server Type: Database Engine
    * Server Name: [The SQL server name can be found in the Control Panel]
    * Authentication: SQL Server Authentication
    * Login: [SQL database Login name]
    * Password: [SQL database Password]

Click connect and you will be connected to the SQL server.

Note:  If you are planning to use one of the Contained Database users (SQL 2012 only) to log into your database you will need to specify the database.