Category Archives: Microsoft SQL Server

Windows: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Setup Support Files cannot be uninstalled

I recently wanted to uninstall SQL Server 2008 R2 completely after I have upgraded to SQL Server 2014. The uninstall of the "SQL Server 2008 R2 Setup Support Files" did not work and produced the error: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Setup Support Files cannot be uninstalled because the following products are installed: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 RsFx Driver Strangely, the "Add/Remove Programs" section did not list the "Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 RsFx Driver". To uninstall this "hidden" Read more [...]

SQL: How to rename a database, including file names

It happens sometimes that we need to rename a database. It is good to know that what happens behind the scenes is different from what you may be expecting. The SQL Server renames the presenting name of the DB only, but not the file names. To rename the files, you need to use the following script to rename the files of OldDB to NewDB. USE [OldDB]; ALTER DATABASE OldDB MODIFY FILE (NAME = OldDB, FILENAME = 'C:\...\NewDB.mdf'); ALTER DATABASE OldDB MODIFY FILE (NAME = OldDB_log, FILENAME = Read more [...]

SQL Server 2012 Express: How to get access to the DB when you have lost all passwords

It can happen that you lose all passwords or that you delete the users in a DB, so you have no access or limited access to the database instance. There are many articles on the Internet that talk about SQL password crackers or other strange methods (some cost you money) to sort this out, but there is a much better and simpler method. For this to work, you need access to the server console (for example via RDP). The trick is to activate and reset the password for the sa account, then login with Read more [...]

SQL Server 2012 Express: How to install on a Windows 2012 R2 Domain Controller

While it is not recommended (mostly due to security reasons), SQL can be run on a Domain Controller. But the following 2 points have to be considered: The order is important: SQL can be installed on a DC. But a SQL server cannot be made a DC. So: DC first, then SQL You cannot use the following 3 accounts for the SQL service: Local Service, Network Service, MSSQL$SQLEXPRESS Although I used these guidelines, it did not work for me. Near the end of the install, when the SQL service is started Read more [...]