sql-serversql-server-express

How can I determine installed SQL Server instances and their versions?

I'm trying to determine what instances of sql server/sql express I have installed (either manually or programmatically) but all of the examples are telling me to run a SQL query to determine this which assumes I'm already connected to a particular instance.

Solution

  • At a command line:

    SQLCMD -L

    or 

    OSQL -L

    (Note: must be a capital L)

    This will list all the sql servers installed on your network. There are configuration options you can set to prevent a SQL Server from showing in the list. To do this...

    At command line:

    svrnetcn

    In the enabled protocols list, select 'TCP/IP', then click properties. There is a check box for 'Hide server'.