Mini Post: Creating and Configuring a UDL file

Good day everyone! And welcome back to SQL Something!
Here I am at the end of the month again, trying to fit in a couple last minute posts. Said I wouldn't do this again. Hopefully I spread them out a bit better next month.

Anyway, without any more delay let's look at creating a UDL file.

Firstly a UDL (Universal Data Link) file allows persons to test connectivity to OLE DB Providers. The OLE DB Provider we are interested in, of course, is the one for SQL Server. This is very useful to quickly test credentials on a machine that does not have SQL Server Management Studio installed, but needs access to a SQL Server instance (example testing SQL Server access from an application server to a SQL Server).

So how do we go about creating one? Simple:

1. Create a text file (example: TestConnections.txt)
2. Change the extension from '.txt' to '.udl'

 And that's it.

Fig. 1: The UDL File! Ooooh! Aaaah!

Now to configure it:

• Either double click the newly created UDL file, or right click and select 'Properties'.
• Choose the 'Provider' tab if its not the first tab presented to you.
• Select 'Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server' as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2: The Providers available.

• Choose the 'Connection' tab.
• Enter the necessary information. You can select 'Allow saving password' if you want this info to be saved. Otherwise you'll need to re-enter the credentials each time.

Fig. 3: Your super secret connectivity info.

• Press 'Test Connection'. Once the credentials are correct and the machine is allowed access to the server housing your SQL Server, then you should see a message like Fig. 4

And that's all there is too it. :-)

DISCLAIMER: As stated, I’m not an expert so please, PLEASE feel free to politely correct or comment as you see fit. Your feedback is always welcomed. :-)