Question: I'm using Visual Studio 2010 and SQL Server 2012. When I try to connect to SQL Server through Visual Studio, I don't get my server name on Add connection drop down menu.

Answer: 
If the database is in your local machine, Just put a . (Dot) in Server Name and select the database.

![Add connection dialogue](https://i.stack.imgur.com/BXixw.png)
run services.msc
find " SQL server browser " , it might be disabled , start that service and set it to automatic.