Test Access to SiteAudit Database with Universal Data Link
Reference Number: AA-01336Views: 9709Last Updated: 09-29-2023 11:22 AM
0 Rating/ Voters
Introduction
This support article provides step-by-step instructions for testing access to a remote Microsoft SQL database using a .UDL (Universal Data Link) file. This method is user-friendly way to verify whether a user can access a specific SQL database on a remote server with their account credentials. The credentials used to access the SiteAudit database must have dbowner rights or a be assigned a SiteAudit Functional Security role. If a user account is unable to access the SiteAudit database to view or monitor data, check to ensure the user account has the appropriate rights needed to read/write data. Learn about the various SiteAudit Functional Security Roles that can be assigned to a user account.
One can use a UDL file, which provides a user-friendly way to test database access. To test access to a remote Microsoft SQL database using a .UDL file, follow these step-by-step instructions.
Prerequisites
A Windows computer.
Permissions to access the remote SQL server.
Knowledge of the remote SQL server's fully qualified name.
Appropriate SQL Server login credentials or Windows login credentials.
Steps
Create a .UDL File on the Desktop:
Open a text editor such as Notepad.
Save a new file with a .UDL file extension on the Desktop (e.g., "TestDatabaseConnection.UDL").
Open the .UDL File:
Double-click the newly created .UDL file on the Desktop.
Configure the Data Link Properties:
In the "Provider" tab:
Select "Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server."
In the "Connection" tab:
Enter the Server Name in the format serverName\instanceName (e.g., SQLServer01\SQLInstance1) in the "Server or file name" field.
Choose authentication type:
Windows Authentication: Leave "User name" and "Password" blank.
SQL Server Authentication: Enter SQL Server login credentials in "User name" and "Password" fields.
In the "Select or enter a database name" field:
Choose the target database from the drop-down list.
Test the Database Connection:
Click the "Test Connection" button.
If the connection is successful, a confirmation message will appear.
If unsuccessful, an error message will indicate the issue.
Retrieve Connection String (Optional):
Open the .UDL file with a text editor.
You'll find a connection string in the file, which may look like:
If the connection test fails, share the error message and connection details with your IT department or database administrator for further investigation.
Conclusion
Testing database access using a .UDL file offers a straightforward way to check connectivity to a remote Microsoft SQL database. If you encounter any issues during the test, consult your IT team for assistance in resolving them.