Thread: Connection Issue

I work in a Fitness Center with a piece of equipment called the Power Plate.
The machine itself is great, but the usage tracking software it came with is horrible.
It saves all user information on an SQL server.
I have virtually NO knowledge of SQL servers, databases, etc.

I would like to use excel to run queries on customer information, but
I am not having any luck connecting to the SQL server.

I run through the instructions exactly as the "flash tutorial" says.
I get to the "Data Link Properties" window.
My local computer name comes up under "Select or enter a server name."
I choose to "Use Windows NT" security.
But when I go to select a database on the server it takes a minute and an error pops up.

[DBNETLIB][Connection Open (Connect))]. SQL Server does not exist or access denied.

I've asked the company for help with accessing the data, and they are of no help whatsoever.

Am I connecting the wrong way?

Hi

Sorry for the delay there.

Sounds like you are connecting the right way.. you probably just need to check the details you have. Name of SQL Server, Security type (Windows NT Or SQL Server), is the SQL Server running, have you got the right login ID + password etc.
It is a bit messy sometimes and can take a bit of playing around to get it working.

Here are a just a few things that I hope will help you get this going.

- Good idea to try to logon to the database using Query Analyzer or Enterprise Manager (if you have it..) Enterprise manager makes it easy to check the SQL server name, login IDs etc.
- need to check what it the name of the SQL Server instance - it might not be the same name as your computer.. If it is running on a different PC - you need to make sure your PC and access the remote one.
- you should make sure the SQL Server instance is running. Normally take a look in the icons down the bottom right of you screen (SQL Instance manager should be running)

- also would double check what the security type is.. Is it Windows NT or SQl Server authentication. If it is SQL Server authentication then you need to use a specific user id and password (as you are getting access deniend might be the most likely cause - maybe you need a specific login ID + password...)

When you are setting up the connection with the datalinks form, will be easiest and recommended to use the SQL Server driver.. Could use OLE DB if you like.

One other thing that is important is that there is a test button there that you can use to test out the connection. It it a good idea to make sure you have the connection working there before moving forward.

Ok, these are just some ideas on what I would just if I had that problem.. HOpe that is some help.

Please let me know how it goes when you get a chance.

Thanks, Al