Say I have a Server named "MyServerABC", on which I have Sql Server 2005 installed with a Default Instance. Thus I can always connect to my sql server just by specifying "MyServerABC".
Now, I change my server's name to "MyServerDEF". Will I now be able to connect to the sql server by just specifying "MyServerDEF"?
Are there any holes in my thinking? Is it really that simple, or are there additional steps involved, or potential problem areas?
If you use the machine name to connect, you will have to change your connection strings. If that's what you are looking for, then yes, it's that easy - no additional steps needed.
That's why you can also use (local) or just "." as shortcuts for the local machine.
Marc
Yes, that's correct from a remote connection view if you change MyServerABC to MyServerDEF in connection strings.
There are a few more things to consider (@@SERVERNAME will not change by default for example) so have a look here: How to: Rename a Computer that Hosts a Stand-Alone Instance of SQL Server
Often, you'd use MyServerPermanentAlias as a network DNS entry too so the actual server name is irrelevant.