Renaming Server That Has a Named SQL Instance

1

hi experts,
After I rename this Windows 2019 VM, will I need to do anything for the named instance?
Thanks

2

Yes - you need to drop the old server and add the new server in SQL:

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3

Thanks, @jeffw8713
• For a renamed computer that hosts a named instance of SQL Server, run the following procedures:
SQLCopy
EXEC sp_dropserver '<old_name\instancename>';
GO
EXEC sp_addserver '<new_name\instancename>', local;

Why is local necessary, what does it do? This is a named instance.
Thanks

4
5

@jeffw8713 do you know if it matters whether the server/VM is renamed before or after I run the
sp_dropserver and sp_addserver statements?
Another team will rename the VM so I need to recommend the correct sequence.
Thanks

6

I wouldn't change it in SQL Server until after the server has been renamed.

7

Thanks but doesn't the server rename require a reboot? After the reboot the SQL instance would not start (because I haven't yet ran drop server, add server). Am I wrong? I just need clarification as we plan to do this tonight.
Would this sequence work?

  1. rename the VM
  2. drop and add server name
  3. reboot server

Thanks

8

It can be done after, SQL Server will startup after renaming the VM, but your steps should also work, either way.

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9

@jeffw8713 This is the sequence we used:

  1. renamed the VM/Server
  2. rebooted
  3. ran sp_dropserver and sp_addserver statements
  4. bounced SQL engine service
  5. tested connectivity to the newly renamed server

That worked perfectly. Thanks for your advice!

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