How to Alter Linked Server

Linked servers are a powerful feature in SQL Server that allow you to connect to and access data from other databases on different servers. This feature is particularly useful when you need to perform operations across multiple databases or servers. However, there may be instances where you need to alter a linked server due to changes in the network configuration, authentication method, or other reasons. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in altering a linked server in SQL Server.

Step 1: Connect to the Master Database

Before you can alter a linked server, you need to connect to the Master database on the SQL Server instance where the linked server is defined. You can do this by using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or any other SQL Server client tool.

Step 2: Open the Linked Servers Folder

Once you have connected to the Master database, navigate to the Linked Servers folder in the Object Explorer. This folder contains all the linked servers defined on the instance.

Step 3: Select the Linked Server to Alter

Expand the Linked Servers folder and locate the linked server you want to alter. Right-click on the linked server and select “Properties” from the context menu.

Step 4: Modify the Linked Server Properties

In the Linked Server Properties dialog box, you can modify various properties of the linked server. Here are some of the key properties you can alter:

– Server: The name of the server where the linked server is located.
– Database: The name of the database on the linked server.
– Product Name: The name of the database product on the linked server.
– Provider: The provider used to connect to the linked server.
– Security: The authentication method used to connect to the linked server (Windows Authentication or SQL Server Authentication).
– Connection Timeout: The amount of time, in seconds, that the SQL Server instance waits for a response from the linked server before terminating the connection.

Step 5: Test the Connection

After making the necessary changes, it is essential to test the connection to the linked server to ensure that the alterations have been applied correctly. To do this, click the “Test Connection” button in the Linked Server Properties dialog box. If the connection is successful, you will see a message indicating that the test was successful.

Step 6: Save the Changes

Once you have verified that the connection is working as expected, click “OK” to save the changes to the linked server properties.

Conclusion

Altering a linked server in SQL Server is a straightforward process that involves connecting to the Master database, navigating to the Linked Servers folder, selecting the linked server to alter, modifying the properties, testing the connection, and saving the changes. By following these steps, you can ensure that your linked server remains functional and up-to-date with any changes in your network or database environment.