Create or Delete a Server Alias for Use by a Client (SQL Server Configuration Manager)

  • Article

This topic describes how to create or delete a server alias in SQL Server 2012 by using SQL Server Configuration Manager. An alias is an alternate name that can be used to make a connection. The alias encapsulates the required elements of a connection string, and exposes them with a name chosen by the user. Aliases can be used with any client application. By creating server aliases, your client computer can connect to multiple servers using different network protocols, without having to specify the protocol and connection details for each one. In addition, you can also have different network protocols enabled all the time, even if you only need to use them occasionally. If you have configured the server to listen on a non-default port number or named pipe, and you have disabled the SQL Server Browser service, create an alias that specifies the new port number or named pipe.

Using SQL Server Configuration Manager

To create an alias

  1. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand SQL Server Native Client Configuration, right-click Aliases, and then click New Alias.

  2. In the Alias Name box, type the name of the alias. Client applications use this name when they connect.

  3. In the Server box, type the name or IP address of a server. For a named instance append the instance name.

  4. In the Protocol box, select the protocol used for this alias. Selecting a protocol, changes the title of the optional properties box to Port No, Pipe Name, or Connection String.

The connection strings described in SQL Server Configuration Manager Help can be useful for programmers who create their own connection strings. To access this information, in the New Alias dialog box, press F1, or click Help.

Note

If a configured alias is connecting to the wrong server or instance, disable and then reenable the associated network protocol. Doing this clears any cached connection information and allows the client to connect correctly.

To delete an alias

  1. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand SQL Server Native Client Configuration, and then click Aliases.

  2. In the details pane, right-click the alias that you want to delete, and then click Delete.

To access SQL Server Configuration Manager Using Windows 8

Because SQL Server Configuration Manager is a snap-in for the Microsoft Management Console program and not a stand-alone program, SQL Server Configuration Manager not does not appear as an application when running Windows 8. To open SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the Search charm, under Apps, type SQLServerManager11.msc (for SQL Server 2012) or SQLServerManager10.msc for (SQL Server 2008), and then press Enter.