Login error whilst connecting to sqlsserver

Question

TITLE: Connect to Server

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Cannot connect to DESKTOP-216LIUN\SQLEXPRESS.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: -1)

For help, click: https://docs.microsoft.com/sql/relational-databases/errors-events/mssqlserver--1-database-engine-error

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BUTTONS:

OK

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This is the error whilst connecting to sql server 2008R2 using ssms 2019. I tried using sql server authentication. THis is the second time after installation im geting the error. Any help to get me to connect to sql server and work again is highly appreciated. _/\_