Naming a SQL server instance ".\SQLExpress"

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Naming a SQL server instance ".\SQLExpress"

myavast

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Points: 65
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October 6, 2010 at 8:10 am

#387948

I am taking a Database Programming course. At my school they named the SQL server ".\SQLExpress" and the Instructor asked us to name our server at home with the same name, so we don't have to change the connection string to the server when we work at home or at school.
I am having a hard time to name my serve with this name. the setup installation complains about the use of invalid characters.
Any help about the topic?
Thanks!

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

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steveb. SSC-Forever Points: 46733 More actions · Answer 1

normally the '\' deliniates the server name and the instance name so i can't see how you could have a '\' in an instance name,. and if you could it wouldn't be a good idea.

perhaps the instructor wanted you to name it "SQLExpress" (no quotes). As this will appear as Servername\SQLExpress

Duncan Pryde SSCertifiable Points: 7956 More actions · Answer 2

myavast (10/6/2010)
I am taking a Database Programming course. At my school they named the SQL server ".\SQLExpress" and the Instructor asked us to name our server at home with the same name, so we don't have to change the connection string to the server when we work at home or at school.
I am having a hard time to name my serve with this name. the setup installation complains about the use of invalid characters.
Any help about the topic?
Thanks!

Hi

I think the Instructer means just name it "\\YourServerName\SQLExpress", or just "SQLExpress". The dot (.) is often used as a synonym for "local server" when connecting to a SQL Server instance, so ".\SQLExpress" would connect to the local server and the "SQLExpress" named instance.

Duncan

Duncan Pryde SSCertifiable Points: 7956 More actions · Answer 3

Looks like steveb just beat me to it!

He's obviously right in that you can't include the server name in an instance, so "SQLExpress" should do it.

myavast Valued Member Points: 65 More actions · Answer 4

The quotes are not included in the name, the actual name is .\SQLExpress. I think you didn't see the (.) before the \ I think this is what causing the problem.

Gail Shaw SSC Guru Points: 1004504 More actions · Answer 5

I suspect, like Steve, what he really wants is an instance named SQLExpress (which is the default for the express version of SQL). . means local server. If you all name your servers with the instance name SQLExpress, then the connection strings (which will read Data source = .\SQLExpress) won't have to change.

For eg, I have an instance on my desktop named SQL2008. I can connect to it using .\SQL2008 or Myrlin\SQL2008 (where Myrlin is the name of the computer)

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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myavast Valued Member Points: 65 More actions · Answer 6

You got it right!! I will try that and let you know how it came out.

Thanks for your help!