Overview

SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. As a database server, its primary function is storing and retrieving data, as other software applications request. These applications may run on the same or another computer across a network.

SQL Server is available in multiple editions, each with distinct feature sets tailored to different users. This document focuses on SQL Server Express Edition, a scaled-down free version of SQL Server that includes the core database engine.

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SQL Server Management Studio

SQL Server Management Studio is a GUI tool included with SQL Server 2005 and later used for configuring, managing, and administering all components within Microsoft SQL Server. The tool comprises script editors and graphical tools that work with objects and features of the server. You can also use it to:

  • Create a new database.
  • Change any existing database schema by adding or modifying tables and indexes.
  • Analyze performance.

It includes a query windows, which provide a GUI-based interface to write and execute queries.

Creating a New Account

SQL Server Authentication is a default mechanism to connect to SQL Server. However, there are times when you need to use SQL Server Authentication to connect to the server. To use it, follow the steps below to create a SQL Server Authentication Login ID.

  1. Run Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.
  2. In the Object Explorer, access Security.
  3. Right-click Logins, and choose New Login.
  4. Enter an account name in the Login name field.

  5. Select the SQL Server Authentication option and enter a password for the account.

    Uncheck the following options to set the password as you want:

    • Enforce password policy.
    • Enforce password expiration.
    • The user must change the password at the next login.

    If the above options are checked, you will be required to set the password according to the security policy in Windows.

  6. Set the Default database to master.
  7. Access Server Roles.
  8. Check sysadmin.
  9. Access User Mapping.
  10. Check Master.
  11. Check db_owner.
  12. Access Status.
  13. Set Permission to connect to database engine to Grant and Login to Enabled.
  14. Click OK.
  15. Disconnect the database server. After, reconnect it.
  16. Choose SQL Server Authentication from the Authentication drop-down list and enter the ID and password. Then, click Connect.

Connecting With Dataset Module

To connect with the Dataset module, follow the steps below:

  1. Access Datasets → DBs.
  2. Click the plus icon.
  3. Fill in the Name field.
  4. In the Provider field, select SqlClient Data Provider.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Enter the password you created before in the Logon Password column.
  7. Open the Connection String column options and enter the username you created in the User Id setting in the Additional Parameters field. Use the Test button to make sure the connection is correctly configured.

The user must have administrator privileges to configure the connection as described above.

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