Rename SQL server / instance

[Tim Reed]

I have a SQL server with the computer and SQL instance name SQLSVRx that is becoming obsolete because of it's age, resources etc. I have a new SQL server to replace it with a computer and SQL instance name AZSSQLz. My dilemma is that I have multiple RDP servers with about 150 user desktops and the software used is tied to multiple icons with the paths including the original SQL server name along with 100's of Crystal reports tied to the old SQL server name to access the SQL data. Is it possible to take the original server SQLSVRx off line and wipe out all records in DNS and AD so that it no longer exists on the network and then rename both the new SQL server and instance name from AZSSQLz to AZSSQLx and then attach it to the domain to make the transition seamless without having to modify 100's of icons and reports? Everything else like the database names etc on the new server would be identical to the old one. If this is possible please let me know the process and steps. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

 

[Olaf Doschke]

This should solve your problem:

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

Obvious plan: Have a not yet used alias as test case and see, whether it connects to the new server. Then at time t0 you just have to redefine the alias right after removing the old server.

Bye, Olaf.