MS SQL Server Instance Name
The database instance name may contain a maximum of 128 characters. By default the instance name is "MSSQLSERVER".
To find the instance name on your Windows system, follow the steps below.
MS SQL Server 2000
1. Launch the SQL Server Service Manager. To do this, go to Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL Server > Service Manager.
2. Locate the running MS SQL Server instance name
MS SQL Server 2005/2008
3. Launch the SQL Server Configuration Manager. To do this, go to Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL Server > Configuration Tools.
4. Locate the running MS SQL Server instance name