How to rename sql server when old name is not known

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How to rename sql server when old name is not known

sqllearner-339367

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October 26, 2009 at 10:44 am

#212621

Hi Everyone,
One of our old server is returning NULL for serverproperty('InstanceName'). I have used sp_addserver with new name and restarted the server but there is no effect. Can some one suggest how to change the name of the server when old name is not known.
ta

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Richard M. SSCertifiable Points: 7401 More actions · Answer 1

For it to take effect, you have to set it with

sp_addserver 'YourServername', 'LOCAL'

and then restart the SQL Services

(note: for some reason last time I had to do it, it only worked by using the uppercase LOCAL)

did you do the sp_dropserver before as well?

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ronnie.edgar-1068255 Old Hand Points: 347 More actions · Answer 2

Try Select @@Servername

That *should* give you the server name, SELECT serverproperty('InstanceName') gives me null on a couple of machines.

Richard M. SSCertifiable Points: 7401 More actions · Answer 3

Ronnie, you are correct... forgot about @@servername....

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sqllearner-339367 Hall of Fame Points: 3004 More actions · Answer 4

Hi Ronnie,

@@servername also returned NULL. I have used addserver with out 'Local' option. Will try that and will update the post accordingly.

dmoldovan SSCertifiable Points: 6334 More actions · Answer 5

Try SERVERPROPERTY('ServerName'). See BOL ---> SERVERPROPERTY for the possible output.

SERVERPROPERTY('InstanceName') may also return NULL if you work on the default instance (besides invalid input, etc). But I think that you're using the wrong function...