How to create a new sql server instance

Creating a new SQL Server instance involves several steps, which I'll outline below. Please note that these steps assume you have administrative privileges on the machine where you want to install SQL Server.

Step 1: Download and install SQL Server

  1. Go to the Microsoft SQL Server website and download the desired version of SQL Server (e.g., SQL Server 2019, SQL Server 2017, etc.).
  2. Run the downloaded executable file (e.g., SQLServer2019.exe) and follow the installation wizard prompts.
  3. Choose the installation type: "New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation".
  4. Accept the license agreement and choose the installation location.
  5. Choose the instance name (e.g., MYSERVER).
  6. Choose the authentication mode: "Windows Authentication" or "Mixed Mode" (with a password for the SQL Server service account).
  7. Configure the SQL Server service account (if using Windows Authentication).
  8. Install the SQL Server features you need (e.g., Database Engine, Reporting Services, etc.).

Step 2: Configure the SQL Server instance

  1. Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager (SSCM) tool (usually located in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\150\Tools\Binn\sqlservermanager.msc).
  2. In the SSCM, expand the "SQL Server Network Configuration" node and right-click on "Protocols for [Instance Name]" (e.g., MYSERVER).
  3. Select "Enable" to enable the TCP/IP protocol (or other protocols you need).
  4. Configure the SQL Server instance settings:
    • Set the instance name (if not already set).
    • Set the SQL Server service account (if not already set).
    • Set the SQL Server authentication mode (if not already set).
    • Set the default database (e.g., master).
  5. Restart the SQL Server service to apply the changes.

Step 3: Create a new database

  1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or another SQL client tool (e.g., sqlcmd).
  2. Connect to the new SQL Server instance using the instance name and authentication credentials.
  3. Create a new database using the following T-SQL command:
    CREATE DATABASE MyDatabase;
  4. Replace MyDatabase with the desired database name.

Step 4: Configure the database

  1. Open SSMS or another SQL client tool.
  2. Connect to the new SQL Server instance using the instance name and authentication credentials.
  3. Expand the "Databases" node in the Object Explorer.
  4. Right-click on the new database (e.g., MyDatabase) and select "Properties".
  5. Configure the database settings:
    • Set the database name (if not already set).
    • Set the database owner (e.g., sa).
    • Set the database collation (e.g., Latin1_General_CI_AS).
    • Set the database file locations (e.g., C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL15.MYSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\MyDatabase.mdf).

Additional steps

  1. Configure the SQL Server instance for high availability and disaster recovery (if needed).
  2. Install any additional SQL Server features or tools (e.g., Reporting Services, Analysis Services, etc.).
  3. Configure the SQL Server instance for security and auditing (if needed).

Remember to follow best practices for SQL Server installation, configuration, and security to ensure a stable and secure instance.