## Connecting to a Database

When you first launch Datapage+ you will see a login screen. Before you can login and use Datapage+, you need to first define and connect to a valid database. You will then login to that database.

The Database Connection Properties dialog box provides you with tools needed to access an existing database or to create a new database.

To access this dialog box, select Database Connection from the Tools menu:

Once the Database Connection Properties dialog box appears, you can choose from among the following options to connect to an existing database, create a new database, or test your connection to the database:

Database Connection Properties

Choose a local database instance: This option lets you choose a local database instance. Use the Browse button to navigate to the *.mdf file.

Attach database filename: This option lets you choose an existing database file (*.mdf file) stored locally on your computer. Use the Browse button to navigate to the *.mdf file. Note that the demo database that ships with Datapage+ resides in your user directory, usually in this location: c:\users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\DPPlusDatabase\ where <username> is your user name.

Use Database Connection String: This option lets you connect to remote (internet or network-based) database. When you click the Build... button the Connection Properties appears, letting you choose the data source and enter the server information (server name, user name and password) needed to connect to the database. For some information you may need to contact your database administrator.

Connection Properties dialog box

Use the Test Connection button to test your remote database settings. If everything is properly set up, a success message will appear:

In addition, the light bulb icon in the Status Bar will indicate a successful connection by being lit up.

Upgrade: If you receive an error message prompting you to update your database, you can use this button to update it to the latest version.

Use the Advanced... button to access a properties sheet containing additional connection settings beyond the basic connection settings already contained in the Connection Properties dialog box.

Create Database: This button displays the C reate Local Database Wizard. It walks you through the process of creating a database file, database instance, or ODBC. Using the wizard, you can specify the database name, location, and instance.

Input the database name you want created and specify a path for it.

The Create a database instance associated with local SQL Express check box lets you create a database instance. The default name is the database name.

The Create an ODBC Data Source check box lets you create an ODBC database. Once created, you can easily associate this database inside PC-DMIS for Windows. The default name is the database name.

For additional information on creating data sources or creating your own database, see the first step under the topic "Sending Data from PC-DMIS to Datapage+".

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