URGENT HELP NEEDED!!! CMS 7.1 Installation

Hi,

I am trying to setup a test lab for CMS 7.1. It is getting stuck at database configuration and returns an error:

Could not connect to server SMP\MSSQLSERVER or login failed.

MSSQLSERVER is instance that is created by default.

Environment:
Windows Server 2008 R2 (Evaluation)
SQL Server 2008 R2 (Evaluation) is on box in a different partition.

I am able to ping SMP / SQL from DC.

Both are physical machines.

This is very URGENT. Any help would be great.

AWAITING EARLIEST RESPONSE.

Thanks
snm1502