Can't access local after installing sql server 2008 RS express (64 bit) on win7 - but yes can access our network server from SSMS. How to get to Local?

Last week I installed sql server 2008 R2 Express on my win7 computer.  Actually, I installed it a few weeks ago and then uninstalled it -- and then re-installed it last week.  I can see out network sql server from SSMS, but I can' access the local server on my win7 machine.  I went to Sql server configuration and it shows the sql server service to be running (but the sql server agent is stopped).  What do I need to do so that I can access the local server/database?

Thanks

Rich P