One of the most frustrating things that SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) users often encounter is the long list of server names in the Connect dialog. This can be particularly annoying when there are servers listed that are no longer needed or when a server name has been mistyped.

In earlier versions of SQL Server, such as SQL Server 2008, users had to manually delete a file in the installation folder to remove all the cached logins from the Connect drop-down list in SSMS. However, the product team behind SQL Server 2012 made it much easier for users to manage their server lists.

With SQL Server 2012 and later versions, users can simply select the connection name they want to remove from the list and click on the delete button. This immediately removes the selected entry from the Connect dialog, allowing users to easily clean up their server lists without having to delete each entry individually.

This new feature in SSMS provides a more efficient way to manage server lists, allowing users to quickly remove unnecessary or outdated server names. Instead of being stuck with a cluttered Connect dialog, users can now pick and choose which entries they want to delete.

Here is an example of how to remove a cached login from the SSMS Connect dialog:

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Click on the "Connect" button to open the Connect dialog.
3. In the "Server name" drop-down list, select the server name you want to remove.
4. Click on the "Delete" button.
5. The selected server name will be immediately removed from the Connect dialog.

This simple process allows users to easily manage their server lists and keep them organized. It saves time and reduces frustration by eliminating the need to scroll through a long list of unnecessary server names.

By taking advantage of this feature in SSMS, users can maintain a clean and efficient working environment, ensuring that only relevant server names are displayed in the Connect dialog.

For more tips and tricks on SQL Server, be sure to check out our other articles and videos on SQL in Sixty Seconds.

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