sql server 2008 r2 instance naming

I know this has already been answered but I would highly advise **NOT** to rename the DB *INSTANCE* name this route.  This is fine for renaming the servers name, but not the instance.  

After you try it, go to start, services.msc, push enter, go down to SQL Server. Do you see it renamed there for the SQL service?   Nope.  SQL will still refer to it as it's old name.  Then go to start - run - perfmon.msc.  Go down to "SQL Server".  Do you see the new instance name? Nope!  It is still using the old one.

Check out the answer from Remus, one of the top SQL Server people in the world and I believe a MS employee:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/907851/change-sql-server-instance-name


I've never seen Microsoft or a MS SQL Guru say it's possible to rename a instance name.  Here is a official answer from MS saying it is *NOT* possible in 2008 and might be in the next major release (2012):
https://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/341638/rename-sql-server-instance-name-not-server-name


Also, the accepted answer did not specify 'drop logins' which would be needed if you did decide to go with it anyways.  GOOD LUCK.