use sqlserver for local based app - sql-server

I'm working currently on a windows form application which uses a Database, and i want to use MS SqlServer, now i need to know how to make it local based..
In other words : after publishing the app and install it on another device, it'll crash because of the database not found and the connection string also not right.
I've find on many threads a way to copy the md5 file from SqlServer directory to the project files and change the connection string to local, but it didn't work properly as it is still crashing on other devices, so what should i do in this case ?
Also is there any software i should install it on other devices in order to use sqlServer commands (like .Net Framework..etc), and also what is SqlServer Express ?, is it the thing i'm looking for ?
Please explain in details, Thanks in Advance.

I am using SQL Server Compact 4.0, so far so good
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQL_Server_Compact
Basically you need to create DB file and carry it over to destination machine with some additional assemblies.
You can download it from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=17876
There is also extension for Visual studio that allows you to work with it using designers. With it you can use Entity Framework which.
http://sqlcetoolbox.codeplex.com/

Related

Attempting to Distribute an Access Application with SQL Server Backend

I am attempting to use a Packaged Solution for my Access 2010 application that has its backend linked to SQL Server. At the moment, I'm using the .accdb file as the frontend, and I would like to distribute my application to some other Windows computers, but the Packaged Solution does not work. I had the package include Access Runtime, so their version of the frontend is running on Runtime and not full Access. However, once the application makes a request to the backend, the application does nothing, as I am not even prompted for the SQL Password as per usual with the full version. I've read on about including a .dsn file in the package can secure the SQL connection (see here), but going through steps of other tutorials to create .dsn files hasn't led to any results. Would anyone know how to correctly generate the .dsn file or if I've done something else wrong at this point?
(And yes, I understanding using Access 2010 in the year 2019 is almost a joke at this point, but I'm doing this for testing purposes. I plan to completely remake the frontend in Angular in the future.)
One other unrelated note... would it be a better idea to have the frontend hosted as a .html file like through the "Publish to Access Services" process? I did read that Access Services was discontinued last year, so would that not be possible?
Edit: This is not a duplicate of "DSN Less Connection (MS Access to SQL2016)" because A) I want to utilize a DSN Connection, not DSN-less and B) I am not using connection strings in my code to hook up with SQL.
You should be able to just create FILE dsn, link your tables, and then distribute the compiled accDE to each desktop.
However, what SQL odbc source provider did you use? If you use the SQL server ODBC provider, then that is by default installed on each computer.
However, if you linked using Native 11 (or later), then that driver is NOT installed on each workstation by default. So, I HIGH recommend you create a FILE dsn (not a user or system DSN), and link the table using that. (Access will create DSN-less links for you)
And you should NOT be seeing a logon prompt with your application. This suggests you forgot or missed the save password option.
So, I would re-link your tables, creating a new FILE DSN. And if you using the linked table manager, then make sure you check the prompt for new location to force creating of a NEW DSN. If you just re-fresh, then you DO NOT get a chance to click on the save password option during the linking process.
So, what odbc driver are you using? The native 11 or later are better, but they are not installed by default on each workstation. However, CAUTION is required here, since the older sql driver does NOT support the newer datetime2 formats. If you used these newer sql column types, they will be returned as string data types in Access and create a mess of issues.
So, first, I would re-link using a FILE dsn.
Make sure you check the save password during the re-link.
You then compile your accDB into an accDE, and then distribute that. You don’t really need to use the package wizard, since once each workstation has the runtime installed, then a simple copy of the accDE to each person’s computer will thus work fine. There is NO special connection between your accDE and the package wizard. Once the runtime is installed, then any and all mdb, accDB, and your accDE can simply be clicked on to launch + run. So for testing, you can skip the package wizard, and just copy the accDE to the target machine, click on it, and see if it works.
Edit
The prompt and check box during this process is this:
So you have to check that box to save the password. Note that you ONLY get this dialog WHEN you create a new FILE dsn.

SQL Server Express, Windows 7, Visual Studio 2017

As a .NET Desktop developer, I have a lot of experience working with various databases that are already up and running; but I'm not a DBA. I'm currently working at a company where I am ther only software guy here to build them software from scratch -- their previous enterprise-level solution was an Access database with macros and a couple forms built it. So, I basically have no one else to go to.
With that preface, how the heck do I get a database -- ANY DATABASE!!! -- added to my VS solution? I've been beating my head against this for almost 6 hours and have made zero headway. At this point, I'm ready to say, "Screw MS databases!" and start looking at MySQL or PostgreSQL or something.
The desktop application I'm developing has to work whether there is an internet connection or not, so I need a local database that installs with ClickOnce. From what I've found so far:
SQL Server [Express] 2016+ requires Windows 8 or later (a non-starter since 95% our customers are still running Windows 7)
SQL Server Compact is being deprecated and won't work past VS2013
I think LocalDB is what replaces Compact in 2016+ (?)
Okay, so I started with this tutorial:https: //learn.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/data-tools/create-a-sql-database-by-using-a-designer However, trying to add a "Service-based Database" just gives me this error once: "The 'DBProviderFactories' section can only appear once per config file." I try again and get this error repeatedly: "Unable to find DbProviderFactory for type System.Data.SqlClientConnection" I've Googled both errors and all the answers that I've been able to find pertain to VS2010 or earlier and their solutions are either not applicable or don't work.
Next, I tried this tutorial: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa983322.aspx I've tried adding new data connections through the "Server Explorer" panel. I don't see "[*] Compact" as an option. When I try "Microsoft SQL Server Database File", I just get the error: Unable to find the requested .Net Framework Data Provider. It may not be installed."
I've even tried adding data sources through the "Data Sources" panel; that doesn't work either.
I've installed the "Data storage and development" addon from the Visual Studio Installer, several versions of SQL Server 2014, SQL Server Compact 4.0, and maybe a few other executables from Microsoft's website.
Nothing works.
Help...
I think I just found it!
Evidently, there are "machine.config" files on your computer. Search for them all, and make sure that there is only a single tag for "DbProviderFactories". I can add a database object now. Hopefully, this puts me in business...
https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/vstudio/en-US/7b4f353b-77fd-427c-976b-5968abc88c13/visual-studio-2010-unable-to-find-the-requested-net-framework-data-provider-for-sql?forum=vseditor
If what you are saying is that you are writing a browser based application - then one would migrate the tables to SQL Server (Express) or even MySQL - it really doesn't matter. Then write a new web app. The existing Access app would serve as a model for seeing features & screen layout but is otherwise not portable.
On the other hand, if you are re-writing a Windows application; then the decision is whether the payload requires a server solution or if one can stay at the PC level. If the payload is suitable for PC then a re-write using either Visual Studio or Access again.
Access is a front end db - the tables in the back end whether they be stored in SQL Server or an Access file are entirely passive. All the processing is done by the user's PC. If the payload allows that then this is the lowest cost re-write option.
If you've outgrown a PC level payload - then one must develop a back end database feature set with a more passive front end.

Publishing a VB.NET Application with SQL Express DB (using LocalDB)

I have written a VB.Net application that uses an SQL Express DB file containing a single table and a handful of stored procedures.
I have successfully built and exported the application to my VPS.
The problem comes when knowing what to do concerning the database file, there is a wealth of stuff online but not specifically to suit my needs.
I plan to use LocalDB on the VPS but being commandline - it is hard to know if the scripts that I have run have been successful after creating an instance , starting it... etc,
I want to keep installation requirements to an absolute minimum on my VPS machine and (in time other end users machines)... hence using LocalDB and not SQL Express
So, what do I have to do on the VPS to enable my application to connect to the database.. ? This was simple when it was Access - (supply the MDB file and run the AccessDatabaseEngine(redistributable) - job done)
The connection on my devt. machine runs as expected.
The connection string in my code is:
Const strSQLConnection As String = "Data Source= (localdb)\v11.0;Database=SoccerTrader;Trusted_Connection=True"
Can anyone help please.. this is driving me around the bend.. surely it cant be that difficult..?
===========================
I have found the following in an MSDN blog which says:
Database as a File: LocalDB connection strings support AttachDbFileName property that allows attaching a database file during the connection process. This lets developers work directly with databases instead of the database server. Assuming a database file (*.MDF file with the corresponding *.LDF file) is stored at “C:\MyData\Database1.mdf” the developer can start working with it by simply using the following connection string: “Data Source=(localdb)\v11.0;Integrated Security=true;AttachDbFileName=C:\MyData\Database1.mdf”.
================ ADDED 12th June =====================
OK, this is really bugging me now... I have read around this till it is coming out of my ears and nothing specifically seems to target what I am trying to do. All the blogs I read refer to installing / running SQL Server and changing permissions etc.
As I have mentioned I am using a VPS and propose to use LocalDB on the VPS to access a simple/small database file for a VB.Net application I am writing.
This is the story so far.
1) I have built a working prototype on my development PC and connected using SQL Express to a database file SoccerTrader.mdf - no problem.
In the Visual Studio Project properties I have added a requirement to the project that checks for SQL Server ..and if it is missing, installs it...
2) I install the project on the VPS and as expected SQL Server 2012 LocalDB is installed .... see here..
3) I have copied the SoccerTrader.MDF and SoccerTrader.LDF files into "C:\BESTBETSoftware\SoccerBot" on the VPS
4) for practical reasons given the problems I am having getting this to work, I have implemented an inputbox for me to specify the connection string when the application runs.... the connection strings I have used give the following...
1]: http://i.stack.imgur.com/i2tro.png
I have not changed any file permissions on the development PC and the database state is NOT read only....
So, the question is where do I go from here...? What have I missed.. why is it not working..?
I have managed to sort the problem.
Seemingly, the connection string I was using was OK. It was my error handling that wasnt 'clean' enough. It transpired the connection was being made on my VPS but when the application attempted to update the table , the directory I had created and put the MDF file into, would not permit write access.
I moved the MDF into the C:\Users\Public\Documents folder and all works as it should.
You have to specify the full path of the Db file with folder name/ip-address

How to connect to an Informix database on a server from Genero Studio?

We want to migrate written 4gl programs (with their .per, form files) to Genero Studio so it can be with Windows Forms. How could we create a connection so the .4gl files can retrieve the needed databases? I just want to connect to it, I don't want to copy paste the whole database to my PC. Is there any tutorial step by step? The Genero Documentation is giant and not very clear. Maybe it is if your starting from nothing, but we already have written programs that we just want to make more visual with Windows Forms.
In your Genero Studio configuration, there should be a list of environment sets listed. One of them should be for your backend. Make sure it is configured properly. Then make sure it is checked for your preferred configuration.
There are different ways to connect to a DB, make sure you review the following doc:
http://www.4js.com/online_documentation/fjs-fgl-manual-html/User/Connections.html
From there, I would write a simple BDL program to test:
main
define mystatus smallint
database mydb # this is where you can adapt based on your preferred connection method
end main
Make sure that in your environment set, Debug is check since this will provide SQL driver debug info (FGLSQLDEBUG=9)
From there, check your output panel and see what needs to be configured
When the connection is working, you can extract a schema (needed at compile time) or maybe you already have a schema (.sch file) already created that you simply want to import

How to override or workaround compiled DB connection info

I've faced a bit strange problem. There is a site client would like to duplicate on another domain name. Site is built on ASP(yes, old v1 ASP :( ) with SQLServer. Problem is that all the database operations, including connection information is compiled into a DLL library.
Is there a way to some how intercept, override or workaround this?
Platform:
Windows 2000 Server
SQLServer 7
ASP v1 (VisualBasic)
What a nightmare...
If you have control over the new database server, and the connection string references the database server by name, you could add a line in the hosts file which points the name of the old server to a new ip address. Then you still have to create a user with the same password on the new database server.
Yes! However, your new database name MUST be smaller or equal to the length of your old one. Simply open up the vb6 .dll in any Hex Editor and search and replace. Make SURE you do not change the length of the DLL or shift any bytes around.
Failing that, add a hosts entry to windows to redirect the connection.
Could it be that the application uses a DSN definition for the connection?
In Control Panel -> Administrative Tools open ODBC Data Source Administrator. Have a look at the System DSN tab. Does there seem to be anything listed there that is related to the application?
Before you hack your DNS or rename the server, be aware that the SQL Server client supports aliases specifically for this scenario: How to: Create a Server Alias for Use by a Client.
The SQL 2000 tool for configuring an alias is the Client Network Utility.
Do you have any configuration options at all from asp? Even dbname or the such? If so you might be able to use two separate servers for IIS and use a single db server. I'm afraid you might need to find the source or the guy who wrote it.
If you could figure out the connection string or DNS you might be able to do something.
You could write your own passthrough ODBC provider.

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