Changing SQL Server instance configurations

This recipe walks through how to change instance configuration settings using PowerShell.

Getting ready

For this recipe, we will:

• Change FillFactor to 60 percent

• Enable SQL Server Agent

• Set minimum server memory to 500 MB

• Change authentication method to Mixed

How to do it...

Let's change some SQL Server settings using PowerShell:

1. Open the PowerShell console by going to Start | Accessories | Windows PowerShell | Windows PowerShell ISE.

2. Import the SQLPS module, and create a new SMO Server object:

   #import SQL Server module
   Import-Module SQLPS -DisableNameChecking
   
   #replace this with your instance name
   $instanceName = "KERRIGAN"
   $server = New-Object -TypeName Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Server -ArgumentList $instanceName

3. Add the following script and run it:

   <#
   run value vs config value
   config_value," is what the setting has been set to (but may or may not be what SQL Server is actually running now. Some settings don't go into effect until SQL Server...