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Browsing network for SQL instances

  • December 1, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    #316384

    This isn't really causing me a problem, but I am a bit intrigued ....

    In SSMS, when connecting to a database instance, you can scroll the bottom of the list of Server Names (which is a list populated by servers you've already visited) and there's a <...browse for more...> option. If you select that and then click on the Network Servers tab, you'll get a list of available SQL Server instances. This list is far shorter than the list of instances I know I can log into.

    A developer just demonstrated that he gets the same list via the ODBC setup in Crystal as he gets in SSMS, so there's some commonality behind this list's source. Anyone know where this list comes from?

    Thanks,

    --=Chuck

  • December 1, 2016 at 1:36 pm

    #1915576

    it's a combination of being on the same subnet, and that sql instances that have the SQL browser service running.

    the ODBC drivers poll the network for advertised services.

    you can do the same with osql or sqlcmd via the -L (List) flag

    --from a command prompt

    osql.exe -L

    sqlcmd.exe -L

    Lowell

    --help us help you! If you post a question, make sure you include a CREATE TABLE... statement and INSERT INTO... statement into that table to give the volunteers here representative data. with your description of the problem, we can provide a tested, verifiable solution to your question! asking the question the right way gets you a tested answer the fastest way possible!

  • December 1, 2016 at 2:05 pm

    #1915580

    Confirmed ... the visible instances are running the SQL Server Browsing Service. Thanks Lowell, I can sleep tonight now 😉 Curiosity quelled.

    --=Chuck

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