Sql Browser not returning all sql instances on a machine

Question

I have 2 instances of Sql Server on my pc:

A named instance of Sql Express (\SQLEXPRESS)
And a default instance of Sql Developer edition.

Using SSMS, when I browse for servers on my machine, I only get the Sql Express instance listed as being available on my machine.

I know that I have the server itself configured and accessible because if I type the connection string manually, I can connect to it via Sql Authentication and Windows Authentication both locally and from other machines. And I know the Sql Browser is at least returning some information as the Sql Express instance is browsable.

After some googling for a solution, the closest information I can find to my problem is this MSDN Article. However, as far as I know, I haven't changed the name of my computer since the OS was installed (Win 7 x64) let alone since Sql was installed.

Any ideas about why the browser doesn't recognise the other instance greatly appreciated.

Thanks Andy

Answer 1

if the HideInstance Flag is No for both the instances and still not showing check out these 2 Posts in SO and DBA.Stackexchange

and try this registry Key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\90\SQL Browser\SsrpListener

make sure it has value 1 if you cant find it under 90 folder, search for SsrpListener because if you read the background section of SQL Browser service , you see that browser service was originally SQL Server Resolution Protocol (SSRP)