The ConnMaker tool is available for download to help users test connectivity through the .NET Data Providers to SQL Server, and to other server data sources. Source code for the tool is provided as a resource for programming connectivity and data retrieval from the server database. You may change and recompile the code for your own use. ConnMaker.exe runs on any computer that is running a Microsoft operating system, and that has the .NET Framework installed.

The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:
Release Date: Oct-30-2002

For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help to prevent any unauthorized changes to the file. The ConnMaker.exe file contains the following files:

How To Use the ConnMaker Tool

1. Download ConnMaker.exe, and then unzip the files to your hard disk.
2. Double-click the CM.exe file to start ConnMaker.
3. If you want to edit the source code, open CM.sln with Microsoft Visual Studio .Net.

By default, ConnMaker tool lists the following three providers to connect to data sources:

• SQL Server .NET Data Provider
• OLE DB .NET Data Provider
• ADO InterOp using SQLOLEDB

NOTE: To add other Providers such as ODBC .NET Data Provider to this list, modify the source code.

Connect to a SQL Server Database by Using the Wizard:

1. Make sure that the Manually type connection string check box is clear.
2. The default settings for the wizard assume that you have a local SQL Server with the sample Northwind Database installed. If you do not have the Northwind Database installed, type the correct SQL Server name in the Data Source text box.
3. Type the SQL Server logon information in the User ID and Password text boxes. Use a <username> account with appropriate permissions to the database. Also, use a strong password.
4. You may also click to select the Integrated Security check box if this is supported by the provider and the server. By default, all three providers that are listed in ConnMaker support Integrated Authentication.
5. After you modify the settings to provide the information for your server, click the Get Connection String from above settings button, to fill the Connection String box. At this time you notice the following connection string (if default settings were used):

   Data Source=(local);Initial Catalog=Northwind;User ID=<username>;Password=<strong password>;Network Library=DBNMPNTW;
   					

6. Click the Connect and Get Data button. If that SQL Server is running, you receive data returned in the DataGrid. If an error occurs, you receive an error dialog box that explains the error message in detail, and a log file is saved as follows:
   C:\OurErrorlog2.txt. If you require assistance when you in troubleshoot this error, you can open a Service Request and Microsoft Product Support will help you under a standard support incident. The Microsoft Support Professional may ask for this log file and for additional information for analysis and troubleshooting.

Manually Type the Connection String:

If you want to use certain keywords in a connection string, or if you want to try a string that you already use, manually type that string.

IMPORTANT: You still must select the correct provider to be used for connection.

Tip: You can generate an automatic connection string by using the Wizard, and then click to select Manually type connection string check box to modify the string so that you do not have to create a new string each time.

1. Click to select the Manually type connection string check box.
2. In the Connection String text box at the bottom of the form, type the connection string.
3. Click the Connect and Get Data button to see if your data is returned to the grid.

Sample Connection Strings

• To use an IP Address instead of a Server name (Select SQL Server .NET Data Provider):

  Data Source=127.0.0.1,1433;Initial Catalog=Northwind;User ID=<username>;Password=<strong password>;Network Library=DBMSSOCN;
  					

• Connect to an Access Database (Select OLE DB .NET Data Provider):

  Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0; Data Source=C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\Samples\Northwind.mdb;User ID=Admin;Password=
  					

For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: