Retrieving list of Sql Server instances on the local PC and the network.

Question

How can one determine which sql server instances are installed on the local machine and the network environment?

Answer 1

You can use the EnumAvailableSqlServers method in the SMO (SQL Management Object) library. Check out Sample 1 or Sample 2

Answer 2

sqlcmd and osql have the option -L which list the instances. Here and here are examples and tutorials how to use it.

Answer 3

http://www.straightpathsql.com/blog/2009/2/25/what-sql-instances-are-installed-on-my-network.html