Rename instance from default (MSSQLSERVER) to named (e.g., DOCSHARE)

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Rename instance from default (MSSQLSERVER) to named (e.g., DOCSHARE)

ash304

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January 16, 2017 at 9:32 pm

#317173

Hi,
For SQL Server 2014, for a standalone instance, can we change the instance name from default (MSSQLSERVER) to a named instance (e.g., DOCSHARE)?
Please note that I do not want to rename the host machine name. So, for example, my host machine name is JP1034, it will remain the same.
Thanks!
Ashish

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

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Beatrix Kiddo SSC-Dedicated Points: 32407 More actions · Answer 1

Would an alias work for your purposes?

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/1620/how-to-setup-and-use-a-sql-server-alias/

Gail Shaw SSC Guru Points: 1004504 More actions · Answer 2

The only way to rename an instance is to uninstall/reinstall.

Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

We walk in the dark places no others will enter
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ash304 SSC Eights! Points: 809 More actions · Answer 3

GilaMonster - Tuesday, January 17, 2017 5:09 AM
The only way to rename an instance is to uninstall/reinstall.

Thanks a lot Gail!

ash304 SSC Eights! Points: 809 More actions · Answer 4

Beatrix Kiddo - Tuesday, January 17, 2017 5:07 AM
Would an alias work for your purposes?
https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/1620/how-to-setup-and-use-a-sql-server-alias/

Thanks for the nice suggestion Beatrix.
Unfortunately, cannot propose this in my current work place. Huge bureaucratic environment. Making such novel suggestions will trouble the peaceful slumber of dozens of people. Some may even go to the extent of asking for my blood, as I am making such strange, unheard of suggestions which may put the whole company's P/L statement and reputation at risk 😛

K. Brian Kelley SSC Guru Points: 114642 More actions · Answer 5

This may be more doable and it's what I recommend over the aliasing. It's an A or CNAME record (recommend the CNAME) by your DNS administrator:

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/2663/using-friendly-names-for-sql-servers-via-dns/

K. Brian Kelley
@kbriankelley