Live Batches
Masterclasses
Menu
Free Courses
Account
Login / Sign Up
Clear List of Recent SQL Server Connection From SQL Server Management Studio

Clear List of Recent SQL Server Connection From SQL Server Management Studio

Intermediate 3 min read 18 Sep 2025 147K views
Clear List of Recent SQL Server Connection From SQL Server Management Studio

Clear List of Recent SQL Server Connection From SQL Server Management Studio: An Overview

While working with SQL Server, we connect to the different data servers. As a result, SSMS has a list of different SQL servers we have used. Sometimes this list creates confusion and we try to make the connection to SQL Server which does not exist or does not have access to. To resolve this issue, we should clear this server list from SSMS.

SQL Server skills can boost your earning potential by 22% in the next 3 years. Enroll in our Free SQL Server Training Online with Certificate today!

Read More: SQL Server Interview Questions and Answers

Clear Recent Connection List from SQL Server 2005

First of all, make sure that the SSMS is closed. Now remove or rename the file "mru.dat" from the location "C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Tools\Shell\mru.dat" or "C:\Documents and Settings\[user]\Application Data\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Tools\ShellSEM\mru.dat"

If you are not able to find the file "mru.dat" at the above locations, search this file in the system drive and remove or rename it. After removing or renaming, launch the SSMS and you will not see any of the most recently used servers in the list.

Read More: Basics of SQL Commands

Clear recent connection list from SQL Server 2005

Read More - Top 50 SQL Interview Questions And Answers

Clear Recent Connection List from SQL Server 2008 or 2008r2

First of all, make sure that the SSMS is closed. Now remove or rename the file "mru.dat" from the location "C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Shell\SqlStudio.bin" or "C:\Documents and Settings\[user]\Application Data\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\ShellSEM\SqlStudio.bin"

If you are not able to find the file "SqlStudio.bin" at the above locations then search this file in the system drive and remove or rename it. After removing or renaming, launch the SSMS and you will not see any of the most recently used servers in the list.

Read More - Top DBMS Interview Questions and Answers

Clear recent connection list from SQL Server 2008 or 2008r2

Note

  1. Before removing the above "mru.dat" or "SqlStudio.bin" file, please note down the existing or required SQL Server connections so that you can add this server on the re-open of SSMS.

Do You Know?

.NET is gaining popularity day by day, especially after the release of .NET 8. .NET 8 is not only a framework version but much more than that. It redefines the way software applications are built and deployed, enabling developers to meet the evolving demands of modern computing.

.NET full stack developers climb to senior roles 15% faster. Accelerate your growth with our .Net full stack developer course and unlock leadership positions!

Test yourself in 5 minutes

Take the free Sqlserver skill challenge to see your strengths and the gaps to fix next.

Start the challenge
Share LinkedIn X Facebook WhatsApp

About the author

Shailendra Chauhan

Shailendra Chauhan

Microsoft MVP, Founder & CEO at ScholarHat

He is a renowned Speaker, Solution Architect, Mentor, and 11-time Microsoft MVP (2016–2026). With expertise in AI/ML, GenAI, System Design, Azure Cloud, .NET, Angular, React, Node.js, Microservices, DevOps, and Cross-Platform Mobile App Development, he bridges traditional frameworks with next-gen innovations.

He has trained 1 Lakh+ professionals across the globe, authored 45+ bestselling eBooks and 1000+ technical articles, and mentored 20+ free courses. As a corporate trainer for leading MNCs like IBM, Cognizant, and Dell, Shailendra continues to deliver world-class learning experiences through technology & AI.

Keep learning

Courses that go with this tutorial