Connect to Server (Login Page) Database Engine

Use this tab to view or specify options when connecting to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Database Engine.

Note

To connect with SQL Server Authentication, SQL Server must be configured in SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode. To determine the authentication mode and to change the authentication mode, see How to: Change Server Authentication Mode.

Options

  • Server type
    When registering a server from Object Explorer, select the type of server to connect to: Database Engine, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition, or Integration Services. The rest of the dialog shows only the options that apply to the selected server type. When registering a server from Registered Servers, the Server type box is read-only, and matches the type of server displayed in the Registered Servers component. To register a different type of server, select Database Engine, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition, or Integration Services from the Registered Servers toolbar before starting to register a new server.
  • Server name
    Select the server instance to connect to. The server instance last connected to is displayed by default.
  • Authentication
    Two authentication modes are available when connecting to an instance of SQL Server Database Engine:
  • Windows Authentication Mode (Windows Authentication)
    Microsoft Windows Authentication mode allows a user to connect through a Windows user account.
  • SQL Server Authentication
    When a user connects with a specified login name and password from a non-trusted connection, SQL Server performs the authentication itself by checking to see if a SQL Server login account has been set up and if the specified password matches the one previously recorded. If SQL Server does not have a login account set, authentication fails, and the user receives an error message.

    ms189640.security(en-US,SQL.90).gifSecurity Note:
    When possible, use Windows Authentication.
  • User name
    Enter the user name to connect with. This option is only available if you have selected to connect using Windows Authentication.
  • Login
    Enter the login to connect with. This option is only available if you have selected to connect using SQL Server Authentication.
  • Password
    Enter the password for the login. This option is only editable if you have selected to connect using SQL Server Authentication.
  • Remember password
    Click to have SQL Server store the password you have entered. This option is only displayed if you have selected to connect using SQL Server Authentication.
  • Connect
    Click to connect to the server selected above.
  • Options
    Click to change the dialog and hide the additional server connection options, such as remembering the password.

See Also

Other Resources

How to: Use the Dedicated Administrator Connection with SQL Server Management Studio
How to: Connect to SQL Server from Windows Vista

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance