SQL Server 2008 R2 - Upgrade Default DB Instance (Express) to Developer Edition I have just installed SQL Server 2008 R2 Developer edition (created a new instance for it: DEVEDITION). I previously had and the default instance (MSSQLSERVER) which was running SQL Server 2008 R2 Express.

I have ~20 DB's that are running on the default instance: MSSQLSERVER. 

If this is possible, I would like to convert/upgrade the MSSQLSERVER instance so that I can use all the bells and whistles of the Developer edition on it. i.e. Profiler, SQL Agent etc.

I have all DB's backed up and as it is a development environment I can uninstall all versions of SQL if needs be.

Thanks in advance.

Here's the previous question I asked regarding the installation of Developer Edition over Express.
I don't think it is possible to upgrade SQL Server Express to another edition.  You should be able to use all the features of SQL Server you mentioned (agent and profiler) with the new, named instance (DEVEDITION) along side of Express Edition.

I don't think its possible to rename a SQL Server instance name, at least not with a bunch of headache.

What I would do is:


Detach the dbs connected to your SQL Server Express instance and uninstall SQL Server Express.  Then re-install the dev edition to the default instance and reattach the dbs.