Home Forums SQL Server 2008 SQL Server 2008 Administration Cannot access default instance set up by previous owner of computer RE: Cannot access default instance set up by previous owner of computer

  • February 25, 2014 at 2:51 am

    #1691798

    grantbanjo (2/24/2014)

    Hello,

    I first ran a search for on the Internet and then on SQL Server Central for this situation, but was unable to find a close match.

    I have SQL Server 2008 R2 running on a 64-bit computer using Windows 2008 R2. The previous owner of the computer (who is no longer with the company) set up a default instance <computer name>/SQLEXPRESS under his Windows Authentication. There are no other instances running on this computer, but I am connected to instances on other servers.

    What is the best approach for accessing a default instance on this computer? Should I try to hack into this instance via the sa password (http://v-consult.be/2011/05/26/recover-sa-password-microsoft-sql-server-2008-r2/) or remove the default instance and install a new one? I do not think the current default instance contains anything of value. If the default instance needs to be replaced, please provide a link or description with the required steps.

    Thanks in advance.

    Firstly it's not a default instance it's a named instance. The security permissions for this installation obviously don't grant you any connectivity.

    If you don't need the instance or its databases you could uninstall it. If you want to gain access you'll need to start the instance in single user mode and grant yourself access.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉