SQL Server, convert a named instance to default instance?

Question

I need to convert a named instance of SQL server 2005, to a default instance.

Is there a way to do this without a reinstall?

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The problem is, 2 out of 6 of the developers, installed with a named instance. So its becoming a pain changing connection strings for the other 4 of us. I am looking for the path of least resistance to getting these 2 back on to our teams standard setup.

Each has expressed that this is going to be, too much trouble and that it will take away from their development time. I assumed that it would take some time to resolve, in the best interest of all involved, I tried combing through configuration apps installed and didn't see anything, so I figured someone with more knowledge of the inner workings would be here.

Answer 1

I also wanted to convert a named instance to default - my reason was to access it with just the machine name from various applications.

If you want to access a named instance from any connection string without using the instance name, and using only the server name and/or IP address, then you can do the following:

• Open SQL Server Configuration Manager
• Click SQL Server Network Configuration
• Click Protocols for INSTANCENAME you want to make available (i.e. SQLExpress)
• Right-click TCP/IP and click Enabled
• Right-click TCP/IP and go to Properties
  • Go to the IP Addresses tab
  • Scroll down to the IPAll section
  • Clear the field TCP Dynamic Ports (i.e. empty/blank)
  • Set TCP Port to 1433
  • Click Ok
• Go to SQL Server Services
• Right-click your SQL Server (INSTANCENAME) and click Restart

This will make the named instance listen on the default port. Note : You can have only one instance configured like this - no two instances can have same port on the IP All section unless the instance is a failover cluster.