4

I have an installation of SQL Server 2012 Std Ed on Windows 2012 R2 running in a default instance, and an app that wants to connect to it using a named instance (can't be changed)

E.g.

  • ServerName - mySQLServer
  • Alias required by app - mySQLServer\CrazyApp

I've tried to create an alias as follows:

enter image description here

  • Alias Name - .\crazyapp
  • Port No - 1433
  • Protocol - TCP/IP
  • Server .

I've:

  • checked TCP/IP protocol is enabled
  • have started SQL browser (not needed, I believe)
  • restarted SQL (several times)
  • tried with the machine name instead of "."
  • tried with no port number instead of 1433.
  • banged head against wall

...all to no avail.

Is it possible to do this, if so, would some kind person tell me what I'm doing wrong.

Thanks!

Improve this question
6
  • This question might get better answers on either Server Fault or Database Administrators. Flag it for moderator attention if you want it migrated to either site. (Do not simply repost it elsewhere.) Commented Nov 5, 2015 at 19:27
  • The app runs on the same server with SQL Server? Commented Nov 6, 2015 at 13:01
  • This is a supported configuration. What error messages have you been getting? Commented Nov 6, 2015 at 16:46
  • Have you tried creating both 32bit and 64bit versions of the alias either by using SQL config manager or using cliconfg.exe in C:\Windows\System32\cliconfg.exe (64bit) and C:\Windows\SysWOW64\cliconfg.exe (32bit)? I have seen some apps that are 64 bit but some part of the app layer uses 32bit. Commented Nov 6, 2015 at 17:07
  • @ypercube - the app runs on another server. Since I'm not changing the machine name, I presumed no changes to DNS were required. However, you did cause me to rethink what I was doing - I've used cliconfig on the application server and I can now connect to the remote SQL server. Commented Nov 6, 2015 at 21:14

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
9

My observation is it is necessary to use cliconfg.exe on the application server in order for it to map a specific instance (e.g. '\crazyapp') to the default instance on the remote SQL server.

On the application server, I have set aliases using cliconfg.exe, using both:

  • C:\Windows\System32\cliconfg.exe (64bit) and
  • C:\Windows\SysWOW64\cliconfg.exe (32bit) (thanks, @DaniSQL)

From the application server, I have configured: alias settings

I then successfully tested this from the application server, using SSMS to the remote SQL instance.

Creating the alias on the server hosting SQL Server does not work, even if the application server can resolve the SQL Server name via DNS. In order to map from a named instance to a default instance, the alias must be created on the application server.

Thanks to @ypercube for guiding me in the right direction.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Start asking to get answers

Find the answer to your question by asking.

Ask question

Explore related questions

See similar questions with these tags.