Rename a SharePoint 2010 standalone server

To rename a SharePoint 2010 server MSFT recommends using the power shell cmdlet with a brief article. Unfortunately in my case the power shell throws an "object reference" exception which pushed me to explore my good old friend STSADM in 14 hive.

Rename the SharePoint 2010 server using STSADM

stsadm.exe -o renameserver  -oldservername -newservername

Rename the Windows Server 2008 R2

Computer->Properties->Change Settings->Change-> Provide the new Server name and restart the machine

Update Farm credentials using STSADM
stsadm.exe -o updatefarmcredentials  -identitytype configurableid  -userlogin          -password

 Update AAM settings for Central Administration

• Open central administration, select Application Management in the left pane
• Select configure Alternate access mappings under Web applications setting
• Filter the view by "Central Administration" and modify the internal Url to reflect the new Server Name.

If you have created any other web applications then modify the alternate access mapping settings for those URL's

Do an IISRESET and good to go.