How to connect to other system Database? - sql-server

Using VB6 and SQL Server 2005
I want to write a sql connection for connecting to other system sql server.
Code
ConnectionString = "Provider=SQLOLEDB.1;Integrated Security=SSPI; Persist Security Info=False;Initial Catalog=STAR;Data Source=" & SName & ""
In SName - Am giving a Server Name
The Above connection code is working for the same system, Suppose I want to connect to other system database means
For example
I run the program in system A, the Database in system B. How to write a sql connection
Is possible with IP Address like SName = 192.12.12.1/System B
How to Write a connection string.
Need Code Help.

It depends on your network / DNS, you should be able to enter the machine name, you may also need a domain name.
SQL Server also has something called Named Pipes for accessing a SQL instance by it's name - do a google search on that...

Yes, you can use an IP address or a machine name but not both. The exact syntax is
Data Source=192.12.12.1; Initial Catalog=STAR; User Id=abc; Password=def;
In case, you have a trust established between the two servers, then you can replace the User Id and Password part by using Integrated Security=True just like you are doing if the database and program exist on the same machine.
Various types of connection strings are discussed here: http://connectionstrings.com/sql-server-2005

Related

Connecting to SQL Server in a remote server from Access

We have a Server A and a Server B.
In Server A we have our ERPs made in Access and VBA.
In Server B we have an instance of SQL Server that needs to stay in that server.
Some Access databases need to link to some tables from that SQL Server instance and I don't want the password to be stored in the MSysObjects table, so I cannot manually link the tables checking the save the connection option.
I saved the connection string in a table with password obfuscation. With that connection string I re-link the tables on startup.
The instance is accessed through it's IP, not the name of the instance. If I use the name of the instance it doesn't work.
It works for me but not for other users except one.
The SQL Server instance has been properly configured to allow remote connections, the ports have been opened and rules added to firewall. If it wasn't properly configured it wouldn't work for me and the other user, so I'm pretty confident in that. The same with the connection string and the methods to stablish the connection in Access.
What I've tried:
Installing the SQL Native Client 11.0.
Installing a full SQL Server Express.
Configured the SQL Browser service to star automatically instead of being disabled.
Step 1 did not work for any user. Step 2 did work for one user but not for the rest. Step 3 did not had any effect. For me I had it installed in my machine since forever, so it doesn't apply.
If I try to do the same with a SQL Server instance in our LAN it works for every user, but not when the instance is in a remote server.
Note I have limited knowledge. Maybe I say something that does not make sense.
Ok, a few things:
Installing the SQL Native Client 11.0.
Ok, then you have to re-link the tables - choose the new driver. A refresh of the linked tables is NOT sufficent. And this ALSO means that each work station ALSO now must have native 11 instlled. And if you say decide to link using native 17 (a much newer odbc driver), then AGAIN YOU must install this native driver on each work station. While you can install multiple sql drivers on each workstation, the driver you used to link the tables MUST ALSO be installed and exist on each work station.
Installing a full SQL Server Express.
Why? What would installing a copy of sql server have to do with OTHER sql servers on other machines that you are attempting to connect to? You think installing sql server on a machine effects the sql server running say on amazon.com? So, this move makes no sense at all.
You are attempting to connect to some instance of sql server running on some other computer. Makes no sense nor will it help to install some copy of sql server that you not using, not connecting to, and that has zero to do with this issue.
Configured the SQL Browser service to star automatically instead of being disabled.
Where? The browser service is set to run and startup on the server and SAME machine where sql server is installed and running. So, yes, without question, those two sql servers A, and B most certainly MUST have the sql browser service running. That service is what allows the client computers to connect to that running instance of sql server. In the past, older (previous) versions of sql server would allow a default connection, but now in near all cases, you MUST ensure that the sql browser service is running on that computer that also has the database you are attempting to connect to.
it's worth to note that the instance is accessed through it's IP, not the name of the instance.
No, you likly have this incorrect. There are two part.
The server name - and then the "instance" of sql server running.
While you can swap out (not use) the server name, you STILL WILL NEED to specify the sql server instance.
So, you can use this format:
myservername\SQLEXPRESS
Or, you can replace the server with a IP address, but you STILL NEED the sql server instance. (by default, it is SQLEXPRESS - but you have to check what the instance of sql server database is).
192.168.1.30\SQLEXPRESS
So while you can use IP or server name - it is often more reliable to use the IP address, but that does NOT get you off the hook from having to specify the sql instance you connect to. Again, previous editions of sql server often allowed a "default" instance, and you did not in general have to specify the "instance", but now you do. And to be double clear, when using such a instance, that sql server needs to be running the sql browser service. (in fact, the browser service is what translates the incoming request to the given and correct instance of sql server).
I DON'T want the password to be stored in the MSysObjects table,
You don't have to, and in fact should NOT include the uid/password in your connection string. And in fact ZERO reason exists to do so.
What you do is execute a one time logon, and THEN link the tables without UID/password. This is not only a great idea, but it also means that your uid/password is not included in the connection strings, but also means users can't get at, or even by accident see/get the uid/password.
It also means that say someone where to launch a copy of access, and import the linked tables from this applcation. When they attempt to use the linked tables, they will NOT work.
So, then how do linked tables work without a password? (and this ALSO by the way saves you from having to re-link tables on startup!!!).
The way this works, is you in code execute a one time logon to the server on startup. That means you can either:
Prompt the user for their sql UID/password.
or
Have in code, the uid/password. (or perhaps in a text file y ou read on startup. You can thus hide, or encrypt or whatever for that uid/passwords.
Then in your startup code, you execute a one time logon. Once you done this, then all linked tables will now work - and work without having uid/password.
since you have two servers then you need to execute two logons, one for server A, and one for server B. But, once again, as long as the linked tables exist, then they will work.
Now, there are "longer" articles on how to use this logon idea, and then not have to include, or re-link your tables for the SQL uid/password.
The basic code to execute a logon is like this:
Function TestLogin(strCon As String) As Boolean
On Error GoTo TestError
Dim dbs As DAO.Database
Dim qdf As DAO.QueryDef
Set dbs = CurrentDb()
Set qdf = dbs.CreateQueryDef("")
qdf.connect = strCon
qdf.ReturnsRecords = False
'Any VALID SQL statement that runs on server will work below.
' this does assume user has enough rights to query built in
' system tables
qdf.sql = "SELECT 1 "
qdf.Execute
TestLogin = True
Exit Function
TestError:
TestLogin = False
Exit Function
End Function
Keep in mind, that ONCE you acheived a legal logon, then EVEN addtional logon attempts will return true.
Not usually a big deal, but this means you supply a valid connection to above, and if it logs on and works - then now all your linked tables (without uid/password) will work.
I note the above issue that ONCE you done the logon, then all 2nd or more times running the above will work (even if bad or incorrect!!! - DO NOT forget this tip!!!). (this can confuse the daylights out of a developer, since they execute logon, (or open a table). Then they test above routine with a BAD uid/passwords, and it works!!!
So, you have to EXIT access to clear out the password cache - no other way.
So, keep the above tips in mind.

SSIS: Configuration of Dynamic Connection String Integrated Security Mode

Setup
In the local environments, we're using SQL Authentication with Username and Password to connect to the databases. I created a Project Connection Manager that has expressions bound to Project Properties, Username and Password being set to sensitive.
On the dev server, when the SSIS run, it needs to use an AD account. I might need to create a Credential/Proxy for the SQL Agent, but for now I'm logged in as the user and I execute the packag through SQL.
Problem
In the SSIS project itself, I'm trying to configure a dynamic connection string to use Integrated Security in one case, and SQL Account in another. I just can't figure out how to do it. Things I tried:
1- Created a boolean "UseIntegratedSecurity" parameter. In the connection string, use that bool to set IntegratedSecurity=SSPI or not with the expression, and also use expressions to set the other attributes of the connection string individually. It didn't work, said the connection string could not be built.
2- Created a boolean "UseIntegratedSecurity" parameter, and write my connection string as something (ugly) like: #[$Project::IntegratedSecurity] ? "Data Source="+#[$Project::SqlServerName]+";Initial Catalog="+#[$Project::SqlServerDatabase]+";Provider=SQLNCLI11.1;Auto Translate=False;Integrated Security=SSPI;" : "Data Source="+#[$Project::SqlServerName]+";Initial Catalog="+#[$Project::SqlServerDatabase]+";Provider=SQLNCLI11.1;Auto Translate=False;User ID="+#[$Project::SqlServerUsername]+";Password=" + #[$Project::SqlServerPassword]
It didn't work because since SqlServerUserName and SqlServerPassword are sensitive, it refuses.
3- Tried having Project Parameters for ConnectionString, Server, Database, User, Password and setting them all. Works locally, but on the server, I get "Invalid Authorization Specifications".
Ideas?
Thanks
You need to handle situation when in one environment you have to use SQL Authentication, and on the other - AD Authentication.
This can be done with help of SSIS Catalog Environment variables. When you create a Project file, Visual Studio automatically creates the following so called project connection parameters for each OLEDB connection manager :
CM.< conn manager name >.ConnectionString
CM.< conn manager name >.InitialCatalog
CM.< conn manager name >.Password Created as sensitive param
CM.< conn manager name >.ServerName
CM.< conn manager name >.UserName
OLEDB is an example, SSIS creates similar parameters for other connection manager types.
Important fact, you do not have to create additional project parameters. The parameters mentioned are created on project being built and are present on all projects.
We create environment variables which specify connection string, DB name (initial catalog), Server Name etc. Good thing - Connection string variable is applied first, and then amended with the other variables.
More details on these parameters is in MS Docs.
In case similar to yours, in Dev environment - using SQL Auth define Conn string for SQL Auth and specify username and password in corresponding variables. In QA env where SSPI is used - the Connection string is reworked for SSPI, UserName and Password environment variables are empty.

How to connect to simple database table?

I don't know much about databases - Sorry if the question seems silly.
I have sql server 2012 on my machine and i create simple database table.
I want to connect to this database table thru C# code.
So, I need to know my ConnectionString.
I don't understand the parameters of the ConnectionString.
I try to google it - but still didn't find any good explanation.
Anyone can please explain the connectionString fields ?
How to define the connectionString that i will be able to connect the local database ?
thanks
Your connection string should be as simple as like below
Data Source=.;Initial Catalog=DB_NAME;Integrated Security=True"
Where
Data Source=. means local database
Initial Catalog=DB_NAME means the database it will connect to
Integrated Security=True means it will use windows authentication (no user name and password needed; it will use logged in credential)
Take a look Here
(OR)
Search in Google with key term sqlconncectionstring which will fetch you many help.
EDIT:
You are getting exception cause Initial Catalog=DB_Name\Table_001. It should be Initial Catalog=DB_Name (only database name). Provide the table name in sql query to execute. Check some online tutorial to get more idea on the same.
You use . in data source only when you are connecting to local machine database and to the default SQL Server instance. Else if you are using different server and named SQL Server instance then your connection string should look like
using(SqlConnection sqlConnection = new SqlConnection())
{
sqlConnection.ConnectionString =
#"Data Source=Actual_server_name\actual_sqlserver_instance_name;
Initial Catalog=actual_database_name_Name;
Integrated Security=True;";
sqlConnection.Open();
}
In case you are using local machine but named SQL Server instance then use
Data Source=.\actual_sqlserver_instance_name;
Initial Catalog=Actual_Database_NAME;Integrated Security=True"
using System.Data.SqlClient;
Then create a SqlConnection and specifying the connection string.
SqlConnection myConnection = new SqlConnection("user id=username;" +
"password=password;server=serverurl;" +
"Trusted_Connection=yes;" +
"database=database; " +
"connection timeout=30");
Note: line break in connection string is for formatting purposes only
SqlConnection.ConnectionString
The connection string is simply a compilation of options and values to specify how and what to connect to. Upon investigating the Visual Studio .NET help files I discovered that several fields had multiple names that worked the same, like Password and Pwd work interchangeably.
User ID
The User ID is used when you are using SQL Authentication. In my experience this is ignored when using a Trusted_Connection, or Windows Authentication. If the username is associated with a password Password or Pwd will be used.
"user id=userid;"
Password or Pwd
The password field is to be used with the User ID, it just wouldn't make sense to log in without a username, just a password. Both Password and Pwd are completely interchangeable.
"Password=validpassword;"-or-
"Pwd=validpassword;"
Data Source or Server or Address or Addr or Network Address
Upon looking in the MSDN documentation I found that there are several ways to specify the network address. The documentation mentions no differences between them and they appear to be interchangeable. The address is an valid network address, for brevity I am only using the localhost address in the examples.
"Data Source=localhost;"
-or-
"Server=localhost;"
-or-
"Address=localhost;"-or-"Addr=localhost;"
-or-"Network Address=localhost;"
Integrated Sercurity or Trusted_Connection
Integrated Security and Trusted_Connection are used to specify wheter the connnection is secure, such as Windows Authentication or SSPI. The recognized values are true, false, and sspi. According to the MSDN documentation sspi is equivalent to true. Note: I do not know how SSPI works, or affects the connection.
Connect Timeout or Connection Timeout
These specify the time, in seconds, to wait for the server to respond before generating an error. The default value is 15 (seconds).
"Connect Timeout=10;"-or-
"Connection Timeout=10;"
Initial Catalog or Database
Initial Catalog and Database are simply two ways of selecting the database associated with the connection.
"Inital Catalog=main;"
-or-
"Database=main;"

For each loop in SSIS - Need to understand ServerName and ConnectionString

I am trying to use a for loop to connect to different servers and then do some job for each server. In the "expressions" of the connection manager for my loop, i see ServerName and ConnectionString.
I don't know the difference between ServerName and ConnectionString. If I put an ip address inside my servername variable,will i be able to connect to a data base ? If i use connectionstring, will i have to put username and password in that ? How do I know which one to use ?
The server name is just a component of a connection string. A connection string specifies different properties of how you connect to a server. Such as credentials (user name, password, etc). Based on your other question that I'm trying to help you through, you want to set server name.
Think of the server name as the name of the machine. The connection string includes the name of the database and what account you are going to use to connect.
The server name is just one part of the connection string.

"Server" vs "Data Source" in connection string

I'm new to SqlServer, right now I have SqlLocalDb installed to work locally. Good, but I can see two connection strings typically and both works:
Data Source=(localdb)\v11.0;Integrated Security=true;
and
Server=(localdb)\v11.0;Integrated Security=true;
What exact difference is there between the two?
For the full list of all of the connection string keywords, including those that are entirely synonymous, please refer to the SqlConnection.ConnectionString documentation:
These are all entirely equivalent:
Data Source
Server
Address
Addr
Network Address
... There is no difference between Server and Data Source as they represent the same thing for SQL Server : the full name of the SQL Server instance with the syntax "MyComputerName\MyShortInstanceName" , potentially including the port used by the SQL Server instance to communicate.
Reference: http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en/sqldataaccess/thread/7e3cd9b2-4eed-4103-a07a-5ca2cd33bd21
They are synonymous - you can use either one.
That is - as far as the framework is concerned, they are the same.
My favorite set up is one that doesn't contain any spaces. In the simplest form, one has to provide four values - the URL, the container, the user and the credential.
server
database
user (or uid)
password (or pwd)
So a connection string looks like this.
server=stuffy.databases.net;database=stuffy;user=konrad;password=Abc123(.)(.);

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