Max length of SQL Server instance name?

Question

I need to know the maximum character length for the name of an instance of a SQL Server for the following versions (if there is a difference between them.)

• SQL Ser

Answer 1

My experience in SQL 2008 R2 is:

Windows Server 2008 R2 NetBIOS has a 15 character limit.

If you want a SQL Server default instance name beyond this (@@SERVERNAME) then you will have to do the following:

sp_dropserver 'oldname' go sp_addserver 'newname_greater_than_15_characters','local' go

Restart the MSSQLService and your new name takes effect. Sysname is the datatype in play with the function and system stored procedures.