How To Use Visual InterDev's Database Tools on a Server Over the Internet

This article describes how to set up SQL server and the Visual InterDev client so that Visual InterDev can connect to the SQL server when the connection to the SQL server is via the Internet. A common scenario is when you are developing a Web site on an internet service provider (ISP) from home and using the SQL server located on the ISP's server machine. In this development environment, you are unable to use the Database Tools in the standard way, because the Database Tools require a direct network connection to the database.

In order to accomplish this task, the following configuration elements are required:

• The SQL server must have TCP/IP Sockets installed.
• You must have the IP address of the SQL server.
• You must have the Microsoft Data Access Components 1.5 or newer installed on the client

Once you have met the above requirements, do the following:

1. On the client machine running Visual InterDev, create a new SQL System DSN.
2. Enter the following information into the fields listed below.

Screen 1 - Enter Server Information

Type in the name you want for the System DSN; you may reference it in future DSNs. NOTE: If you intend to FTP or CopyWeb the Web application to the ISP's server name, the local System DSN is the same as the System DSN on the ISP's remote server.

For the Server name specify the IP address of the SQL Server (for example, 123.45.6.7)

Select Next the next button to go on to the next screen of options.

Screen 2 - Choose the authentication method

If you are using standard security then select "with SQL Server authentication using a login ID and password entered by the user" and specify the user name and password, such as SA, and the password.

On this same screen select the Client Configuration button and go to the advanced tab on this dialog box.

Specify the following information:

Select Add/Modify and then click Done.

Click Next to go on to the next screen of options.

Screen 3 - Specify the SQL Server Database

If the Database is different than the Master be sure to select the specific database you wish to connect to.

Click Next to go on to the next screen of options.

Screen 4 and 5 - Connection Options

On the next two screens leave the default values selected.

Click Next on each screen to move on.

Screen 6 - Test Data Source

A final dialog box appears where you can test your data connection. Select the test data source to ensure you have configured your data source correctly.

The test should indicate that the test has been completed successfully.

1. On the client, create a new SQL System DSN.
2. Enter the following information into the fields listed below.

Now that you have the System DSN configured with the above information you will be able to specify this DSN in your Visual InterDev 1.0 and 6.0 projects and you will be able to use the Datatools remotely over the Internet.

For the latest Knowledge Base articles and other support information on Visual InterDev and Active Server Pages, see the following page on the Microsoft Technical Support site: