How do I find the server name for an SQL server on a system?

 To find the server name for an SQL Server on a system, you can use the following methods:

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Method 1: Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

1. Launch SSMS.
2. On the Connect to Server screen, check the Server name field. If it's pre-filled, that's the server name you're connected to.
3. If you are already connected, the server name is displayed at the top of the Object Explorer pane.

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Method 2: Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Type the following command to get a list of SQL Server instances:

   sqlcmd -L
   

   This lists all available SQL Server instances on the local network.

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Method 3: Using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell.
2. Run the following command:

   Get-Service | Where-Object {$_.Name -like 'MSSQL*'}
   

   This shows services for SQL Server instances on the machine, including instance names.

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Method 4: Check SQL Server Configuration Manager

1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager.
2. Look under SQL Server Services. The instance names are displayed as part of the service name (e.g., MSSQLSERVER for the default instance or MSSQL$INSTANCE_NAME for named instances).

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Method 5: From Windows Registry

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the following path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server
   

3. Look under the Instance Names\SQL key to find the instance names.

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Default Server Name Formats

• Default Instance: The server name is usually the computer's hostname (e.g., COMPUTER_NAME).
• Named Instance: The format is COMPUTER_NAME\INSTANCE_NAME.

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If you're unable to locate the server name using the above methods, verify that SQL Server is installed and running on the system. Let me know if you need further assistance!