Logging into SQL Server

The first step to creating a SQL Server database using Access is to connect to an existing SQL Server and provide a name for the new SQL Server database. To do this you must have 'Database Creator' permissions on the designated SQL Server.

To log on to SQL Server

1. Once you have started a new Access project (*.adp), a SQL Server wizard opens to help you connect to SQL Server and specify a name for the SQL Server database.
   
   
2. Specify the name of the SQL Server you want to use, or select a server from the list.
   
   
3. The preferred method of logging in is to leave the login name and password blank. This makes it possible for the system to use your Windows NT authentication. However, you can also use the SQL Server defaults of Login=sa and no password or specify another appropriate user and password.
   
   
4. Provide a database name.
   
   
5. Click Next, and then click Finish to complete the wizard with the defaults.
   
   
6. A SQL Server progress meter message is displayed. This process may take a few minutes.

Once processing is completed, the Access database window is active. Now you can design your SQL Server schema using Access.

For more information about using Access to work with SQL Server databases, see the Access online Help.

Note   You can also create your tables using SQL Server Enterprise Manager—just be sure to refresh the Access database window before attempting to register your database in the Access Workflow Designer.