Add/Modify Connection (OLE DB)

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This dialog box allows you specify settings, such as server name and passwords, for this connection. This dialog box is available when <unspecified> is selected under Data Source in the Choose/Change Data Source dialog box and .NET Framework Data Provider for OLE DB is selected under Data provider.

Note

This topic also covers the New Database Reference dialog box.

Note

Your computer might show different names or locations for some of the Visual Studio user interface elements in the following instructions. The Visual Studio edition that you have and the settings that you use determine these elements. For more information, see Visual Studio Settings.

  • Data Source
    Shows the data source and provider chosen in the Data Source dialog box.

  • Change button
    Brings up the Change Data Source dialog box where you can change the data source or provider.

  • OLE DB provider
    Shows the OLE DB provider used for this connection. To use a different OLE DB provider, select one from the drop-down list.

  • Data Links
    Brings up the Data Link Properties dialog box where you can access settings not available in the Connection Properties dialog box.

  • Data Source
    Shows the name of the data source instance or server name.

  • Location
    Shows the name of the database for this connection. To choose a new database type the database name into the text box.

  • Use Windows NT Integrated Security
    Sets the logon requirements so that the provider requests a secure (or trusted) connection to a SQL server running on Microsoft Windows NT. When selected, SQL Server uses integrated logon security to establish connections using this data source, regardless of the current logon security mode at the server. The SQL Server system administrator must associate the Microsoft Windows network ID for the user of this connection with a SQL Server logon ID.

  • Use a specific user name and password
    Sets the logon requirements so you must enter a user name and password to open the connection.

  • User name
    Provides a text box in which to enter a user name. When you open this connection, the logon dialog box will require that you enter this user name to access the database. The database administrator must first grant permission for you to access the database in order for the connection to succeed.

  • Password
    Provides a text box in which to enter a password. When you open this connection, the logon dialog box will require that you enter this password to access the database. The database administrator must first grant permission for you to access the database in order for the connection to succeed.

  • Blank password
    Disables the password text box so that you do not need to enter a password to open the connection from Server Explorer. Use this only if your logon for the server does not require a password.

  • Allow saving password
    Saves and encrypts your password so that you do not need to enter a password each time you open the connection.

  • Initial catalog
    Shows the name of the data source, such as a database or spreadsheet, for this connection. To choose a different source, type the name into the text box.

  • Advanced button
    Displays the Advanced Properties dialog box, where you can specify or view settings for the connection. The content of this tab changes depending on which provider you selected in the Data Source dialog box.

  • Test Connection
    Tests the connection without closing the dialog box so you can make adjustments to the settings if the connection does not succeed.

  • OK button
    Commits the connection settings.

See Also

Tasks

How to: Connect to a Database from Server Explorer

Reference

Advanced Properties

Choose/Change Data Source Dialog Box

Add/Modify Connection (ODBC)

Add/Modify Connection (Oracle)

Add/Modify Connection (Microsoft SQL Server)

Add/Modify Connection (Microsoft Access)

Add/Modify Connection (Microsoft SQL Server Database File)