Transferring SQL Server Registration Information Between Machines

When you use SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Manager to create server groups and register servers, where is the information stored—in the registry or a configuration file? For example, suppose I’ve created 100 server groups, and a total of 1000 servers. Assuming I’ve used Windows authentication for registering all the servers, can I copy the information from one client machine to another so that I don’t have to re-create the grouping and registration?

AInformation about servers and server groups is stored in the registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\MicrosoftSQLServer\80\Tools\SQLEW\Registered Servers X. You can export and import this registry key set by using regedit.exe. This method isn’t supported, but should work for the scenario you describe.
—Richard Waymire
Program Manager Architect
Visual Studio Team System

Discuss this Article 3

Kathy (not verified)
on Sep 22, 2006
I would like to know where this is stored in SQL2005. I have a script that trolls registered servers using the registry key mentioned here and generates a list of servers, databases, tables, etc. SQL2005 no longer uses this registry key.
dwainew
on Jun 19, 2008
Doesn't work, only the groups remain, but all empty!
alzdba
on Sep 12, 2006
Here's a method that's using SQLDMO to export and import EM-registrations. http://www.sqlservercentral.com/scripts/viewscript.asp?scriptid=1420 I advise to use this one in stead of just the regedit-copy (which I've had some issues with)

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