Enabling TCP/IP in SQL Express 2008 R2

Programs > .. R2 > SQL Server Configuration Manager
Network config > Protocols > tcp/ip > enable & properties

Clear the dynamic port under IPAll
Set the TCP Port to 1433 (which is the standard sql server port).

You can then connect to "localhost" (with no instance specified) in management studio.

refs:

• https://vgoes.wordpress.com/2007/06/05/jdbc-to-sql-server-express/