How to correct SQL-Server installation with wrong language?

Question

What is the best way to re-install a SQL Server that was installed using a wrong language without losing any configuration?

• Should I install a second instance parallel to the default instance - here I do not know if this is anyhow possible at all if using a different language?

• Or should I install a second installation of Sql Server (as if it were two different Versions)?

• Alternatively I could of course uninstall the old and install a new Sql Server using the correct language.

Independent of the way to go, as you can imagine, I definitely want to avoid doing all the maintenance work for creation of Logins, Users, Permissions, Alerts, Operators, Jobs etc. again. Is there a good approach to achieve this?

Answer 1

This can be done from the SSMS GUI. Right click on the instance in object explorer and go to properties.

From there navigate to the Advanced page.

There is a drop down item there for Default Language.

Alternatively, if you know the language code you can do it via tsql

EXEC sp_configure 'default language', 0 ; 
GO  
RECONFIGURE ;  
GO

where 0 is English in this case.

See https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-GB/library/ms190682.aspx

You may also need to update or change the default language of logins via their properties page.

Answer 2

In the old days with SQL Server 6.4, I would say that you would have to uninstall and then re-install. But SQL Server has gotten better since then. So try changing it with the code below. But if you have any problems in the next 2 months, uninstall and re-install.

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms190682.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

USE AdventureWorks2012 ;  
GO  
EXEC sp_configure 'default language', 2 ;  
GO  
RECONFIGURE ;  
GO