I have a SQL Server 2008 Standard instance running under Windows Server 2008 Standard. The SQL Server service is configured to start automatically (under the Network Service account); but occasionally when I come in to work and try to run something that uses the DB I discover that it's not running.
What do I need to look at to find out why it's either shutting down or not restarting after IT reboots the VM?
Event logs will probably be your best place to start. There should be at the very least service start/stop logs.