Changing A SQL Server Name

Changing the name of my SQL Server has been anything BUT pretty, easy, or straightforward. I want to collect the various pieces of the process here, so I can remember them when I need them again.

To change the name in the O/S:

** If joining a domain, do it all at once, if at ALL possible **


To then change the name of the already installed SQL Instance:

select @@servername -- was 
go
sp_helpserver -- was 
go
select serverproperty('servername') -- was 
go
select * from sys.servers; -- was 
go

sp_dropserver '';
GO
sp_addserver '', local;
GO

select @@servername -- is now 
go
sp_helpserver -- is now 
go
select serverproperty('servername') -- was already 
go
select * from sys.servers; -- is now 
go