Listing SQL Server instances

In this recipe, we will list all SQL Server instances in the local network.

Getting ready

Log in to the server that has your SQL Server development instance, as an administrator.

How to do it...

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

2. Let's use the Start-Service cmdlet to start SQLBrowser:

   Import-Module SQLPS -DisableNameChecking
   
   #sql browser must be installed and running
   Start-Service "SQLBrowser"

3. Next, you need to create a ManagedComputer object to get access to instances. Type the following script and run it:

   $instanceName = "KERRIGAN"  
   $managedComputer = New-Object 'Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Wmi.ManagedComputer' $instanceName
   
   #list server instances        
   $managedComputer.ServerInstances

   Your result should look similar to the one shown in the following screenshot:

   

   Note that $managedComputer.ServerInstances gives you not only instance names, but also additional properties such as ServerProtocols...