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Connect to Server (Database Engine)

Use this dialog to view or specify options when connecting to Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine. In most cases, you can connect by entering the computer name of the database server in the Server name box and then clicking Connect. If you are connecting to SQL Server Express, use the computer name followed by \sqlexpress.

Many factors can affect your ability to connect to SQL Server. For a short tutorial about how to connect to SQL Server, see Tutorial: Getting Started with the Database Engine.

Options

  • Server type
    When registering a server from Object Explorer, select the type of server to connect to: Database Engine, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1, or Integration Services. The rest of the dialog shows only the options that apply to the selected server type. When registering a server from Registered Servers, the Server type box is read-only, and matches the type of server displayed in the Registered Servers component. To register a different type of server, select Database Engine, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1, or Integration Services from the Registered Servers toolbar before starting to register a new server.

  • Server name
    Select the server instance to connect to. The server instance last connected to is displayed by default.

    Note

    To connect to an active user instance of SQL Server Express connect using named pipes protocol specifying the pipe name, such as np:\\.\pipe\3C3DF6B1-2262-47\tsql\query For more information, see the SQL Server Express documentation.

  • Authentication
    Two authentication modes are available when connecting to an instance of the Database Engine.

  • Windows Authentication Mode (Windows Authentication)
    Microsoft Windows Authentication mode allows a user to connect through a Windows user account.

  • SQL Server Authentication
    When a user connects with a specified login name and password from a non-trusted connection, SQL Server performs the authentication itself by checking to see if a SQL Server login account has been set up and if the specified password matches the one previously recorded. If SQL Server does not have a login account set, authentication fails, and the user receives an error message.

    Security noteSecurity Note

    When possible, use Windows Authentication.

  • User name
    Enter the user name to connect with. This option is only available if you have selected to connect using Windows Authentication.

  • Login
    Enter the login to connect with. This option is only available if you have selected to connect using SQL Server Authentication.

  • Password
    Enter the password for the login. This option is only editable if you have selected to connect using SQL Server Authentication.

  • Connect
    Click to connect to the server selected above.

  • Options
    Click to display additional server connection options, such as registering a server and remembering the password.