How To Creating a Connection to SQL Server Without a Datasource (155392)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 3.0
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 3.0b
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Data Access Components 2.5
This article was previously published under Q155392

SUMMARY

When creating a connection to access remote data, you can create a connection that does not require an ODBC datasource. Because this method does not require an existing ODBC datasource, you do not have to be concerned with setting up the datasource in the ODBC administrator. This simplifies the task of application distribution.

MORE INFORMATION

The following steps outline how to create a connection that does not require an ODBC datasource. The connection will be called CONNECT1, and it accesses a SQL Server backend with the following attributes: 
   Server Name = SQL1
   Logon User ID = USER
   Logon Password = password
   DATABASE = pubs
You can create the connection either programmatically or using the Connection Designer. Both of these methods will be addressed.

Creating the Connection Programmatically

  1. Open a database in which to store the connection.
  2. Enter the following command in the Command window: 

          CREATE CONNECTION CONNECT1 CONNSTRING "DRIVER={SQL Server};
         SERVER=SQL1;UID=USER;PWD=password;DATABASE=pubs"

    NOTE: You should enter this command on one line.

Creating the Connection Using the Connection Designer

  1. Open a database in which to store the connection.
  2. From the File menu, click New.
  3. Specify a new connection.
  4. In the Connection Designer, select the "Connection String" option button.
  5. Enter the following for the Connect String: 

          DRIVER={SQL Server};SERVER=SQL1;UID=USER;PWD=password;DATABASE=pubs

  6. Close the Connection Designer, and save the connection as CONNECT1.
To test the connection, enter the following in the Command window: 

   ?SQLConnect('CONNECT1')

A return value greater than zero indicates a successful connection.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:3/14/2005
Keywords:kbhowto KB155392
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