The server collation acts as the default collation for all system databases that are installed with the instance of SQL Server including newly created user databases. Changing the default SQL Server collation can be a complex operation so if you can please avoid must especially those with large user databases.
Follow the steps below to change the SQL Server collation for newly installed SQL rather than having to re-install SQL all over again.
Steps:
- Log into SQL Server and ensure that you have the SQL server installation media available either on CD or copied to local disk
- Open the command prompt, and change directory or drive to where the SQL Server media files are
- Enter the following command and press enter:
setup.exe /q /ACTION=RebuildDatabase /INSTANCENAME=”Enter Instance Name” /SAPWD=”Strong Password” /SQLCollation=SQL_Latin1_ General_ CP1_CI_AS /SQLSYSADMINACCOUNTS=”Domain\User Account“
Where:
INSTANCENAME= Enter the SQL instance name if not default (MSSQLSERVER)
SAPWD= Enter a new STRONG SA password like HGB874t2NeK1V
SQLCollation= Enter the new collation
SQLSYSADMINACCOUNTS= Enter a domain user account with Admin rights