Windows could not start the SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) on Local Computer. For more information, review the System Event Log. If this is a non-Microsoft service, contact the service vendor, and refer to service-specific error code -2146885628.
When I opened services I noticed that SQL Server (SQLEXPRESS) was set to Automatic, and not running.
Clicking start yielded a 3 minute delay and an error message.
The Solution:
Opened the "properties" dialog for the service, and on the Log On tab, changed the user from "This Account" to "Local System Account". Started the service, and bingo.
Note: According to my sources, this error can also happen if you allowed Disk Cleanup to compress your data folders.
Thank you so very much. I ran a clone/back-up program the other day and ever since I've not been able to access my databases. I appreciate this so very much!