Connection string when database (*.mdf) is copied on the web hosting server - c#

I am continuing my previous question, as the reply lead to further doubts/points/concerns. I need help with the connection string on the web host server.
My connection string in the local computer is:
string connectionString = "Data
Source=.\SQLEXPRESS;AttachDbFilename=|DataDirectory|\data.mdf;Integrated
Security=True;User Instance=True";
Now, I simply used the website copy tool with the VS 2010, and the entire website is copied as it is on the web host, with the database being at domainName/httpdocs/Experiment/App_Data/data.mdf
Now, I don't know how the complete connection string on the web hosting server look like. Some of the things which I learned, on the basis of those, I guess it should be:
string connectionString = "Data
Source=IP_Address_Of_WebHostingServer;AttachDbFilename=|DataDirectory|\data.mdf;User
ID=XXXX;Password=XXXX;User Instance=True";
Is it right (or COMPLETE?)? Also, I have no clue what the user id or password is? So on local computer, with the help of Integrated Security=True the windows authentication was being made. How to do it on the remote web host?
In the webhosting console, I see features such as create database, create database users, I can see the username and password aspects there. If those are required then how do I connect that with the database I just copied? It seems like those are the one's where database is created from scratch, while I already have the *.mdf (database) uploaded/copied.
I am stuck at this stage, and have no clue on how to proceed further. I know its something trivial, but out of scope of my knowledge. Please help me in completing the connection string. How do I make the database (data.mdf) file reachable/accessible?
I came across some articles which told to import the database and such (but where/why?), but I don't get it. When the database is in the App_Data folder, then why/how do I do that?
I am confused, please help.I'll highly appreciate step-by-step approach to fix it.Thanks.
EDIT (solution):
The solution given below is perfect. Apart from that this website/blog is worth checking.
-- http://www.asp.net/web-forms/tutorials/deployment/deploying-web-site-projects/asp-net-hosting-options-cs
And if you don't have SQL Management Studio, best way to install is instructed here:
-- http://blogs.msdn.com/b/bethmassi/archive/2011/02/18/step-by-step-installing-sql-server-management-studio-2008-express-after-visual-studio-2010.aspx

Step 1 - Create a DB Script from SQL Management Studio
You will need to firstly script off you database schema and data (not as scary as it sounds - follow the steps here http://blog.sqlauthority.com/2011/05/07/sql-server-2008-2008-r2-create-script-to-copy-database-schema-and-all-the-objects-data-schema-stored-procedure-functions-triggers-tables-views-constraints-and-all-other-database-objects/ ) .
Step 2 - Create your DB at HostGator and Import your DB Script
Create your database at HostGator and import your script file (Follow this guide here http://support.hostgator.com/articles/plesk/plesk-9/how-to-create-or-import-databases-plesk-9 ).
Step 3 - Update your connection string and deploy!
You'll need to update your connection string to be something like this (you will need to add your details).
<add name=”CRMConnectionString” connectionString=”Data Source=Server IP;Initial Catalog=DBName;User ID=UserName;Password=Pwd;” providerName=”System.Data.SqlClient”/>
This connection string was cribbed from this resource here http://asoftwaredeveloper.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/hostgator-web-hosting-and-mssql-db-access/
Then publish your website and upload your files. Its worth noting that you won't need to update your App_Data folder and its contents when you publish because you'll be pointing at the DB on their server not the one in your directory.

Related

Azure Mobile Services - Connection string not found after publishing

After I deployed my mobile service to Azure, calls to the service fails because of this error:
No connection string named 'ApplicationEntities' could be found in the application config file.
The error only occurs on Azure side. When I test the service locally, the connection to the remote database works without a problem.
I separated my solution into several projects:
Web Api
Business Logic
Data Access (contains the DbContext, database first)
Common (contains the entities generated by EF)
As I always do, I copied the connection string generated in my app.config of the DataAccess Assembly into the connectionStrings-Element of my web.config (Web Api project).
<connectionStrings>
<add name="ApplicationEntities" connectionString="<the connection string>" providerName="System.Data.EntityClient" />
</connectionStrings>
In the web deploy settings, I selected the connection string for "ApplicationEntities". I tested it with and without the option "Use this connection string at runtime (update destination web.config). I always get the same error.
Then I got curious and logged the connection strings available via the ConfigurationManager with something like this:
StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder();
for (int i = 0; i < ConfigurationManager.ConnectionStrings.Count; i++)
{
sb.AppendLine(ConfigurationManager.ConnectionStrings[i].ConnectionString);
}
trace.Info(sb.ToString());
I got two connection strings:
data source=.\SQLEXPRESS;Integrated Security=SSPI;AttachDBFilename=|DataDirectory|aspnetdb.mdf;User Instance=true
Data Source=theserver.database.windows.net;Initial Catalog=thedb_db;User ID=theuser;Password=thepassword;Asynchronous Processing=True;TrustServerCertificate=False;
The username and password is strangely different from the username and password stated in the management portal.
Also the EF-Metadata information get lost.
I get this connection strings when testing locally:
data source=.\\SQLEXPRESS;Integrated Security=SSPI;AttachDBFilename=|DataDirectory|aspnetdb.mdf;User Instance=true
metadata=res://*/DataContext.ApplicationEntities.csdl|res://*/DataContext.ApplicationEntities.ssdl|res://*/DataContext.ApplicationEntities.msl;provider=System.Data.SqlClient;provider connection string=\"data source=theserveraddress,1433;initial catalog=thedb_db;persist security info=True;user id=theusername;password=thepassword;MultipleActiveResultSets=True;Trusted_Connection=False;Encrypt=True;Connection Timeout=30;App=EntityFramework\"
I expect to get the same connection strings when running on Azure. Any idea what's going wrong?
Update:
I just went for remote debugging the service (see here). As I opened the downloaded publish-profile in my text editor, I discovered that there is an attribute SQLServerDBConnectionString - containing the connection string that always gets forced when deployed - with the same username and password I'm not aware of that it exists.
I tried to overrwite this connection string but it did not help. That connection remains the active.
Update 2 / May 29th 2014:
Seems that in the meantime the error has been fixed by the azure mobile team. Still running the same code using the database first approach and it's working now. Thanks a lot!
I have myself tried using DB first approach with dot net backend mobile services & ran into same sort of problems as you. Digging around further, following is my observation :
The azure mobile service with dot net backend must use code first approach only. This generates a specialised connection string with metadata (starting with res:)
The name of the connection string has to be the same as it is when you download the default sample todo app I.e. Ms_TableConnectionString.
There is an option in azure websites to select custom SQL provider to help make a custom connection string, this option, however, is not available for dot net backend mobile service in Azure Management portal.
P.s. Posting as answer because I don't have a enough points to comment..
Just wanted to give an update that I have been looking at this for some time and think I for the first time see it too. I don't know what is going on but wanted to let you know that we are indeed looking at it.
Henrik
(I don't have enough points to comment so having to do this as an answer)
Henrik, I have this same problem. If I ftp on to the box I can see that the web.config has the correct connection string but it fails as trying to use the username in the SQLServerDBConnectionString property (OoWUqr****Login). Is it possible you could let me know in what order it is looking for connection strings and where?
And if it can't stop it using the other user is there a way I can permission them for the correct database through mobile services?
Thanks
F

First chance exception of 'System.Data.EntityException'. The underlying provider failed on Open

I've been given a site that was created by someone else and I'm now trying to test it. I can compile the system without any problems but when I try to log in to the website, I get the error:
"EntityException occured. A first chance exception of type 'System.Data.EntityException' occured in System.Data.Entity.dll. Additional info: The underlying provider failed on Open."
Furthermore, if I dig deeper, I see an InnerException of Cannot open database \"MyDB\" requested by the login. The login failed. Login failed for user 'name\\owner'.
I've read similar problems on the web and it seems like its a problem with database connections? I've tried multiple 'solutions' that include messing around with the connectionString but nothing works.
What I think the system wants to do is connect to a .mdf located in a separate project's App_Data. Anyway, here's the connectionString code that I received originally:
add name="NameServiceContext"
connectionString="Server=tcp:qiu5vg5yhv.database.windows.net,1433;Database=MyDB;User ID=MYID;Password=MYPASS;Trusted_Connection=False;Encrypt=True;Connection Timeout=30;"
providerName="System.Data.SqlClient"
Quick question, what is the tcp:...... stuff? I'm assuming it was generated somehow, but how?
I've tried 'fixing' the problem and ended up with something like this:
add name="NameServiceContext"
connectionString="data source=./SQLEXPRESS;AttachDbFilename=C:\Users\owner\Documents\MyERP\App_Data\MyDB.mdf;Integrated Security=True;Connect Timeout=30;"
providerName="System.Data.SqlClient"
Both methods give the same errors and I'm out of ideas. How would I go about fixing this?
Also, when I connect to a db via tools>connect to database > MS SQL db file, I get an option between 2 data sources, ./SQLEXPRESS and (LocalDB)\v11.0. Do I have to include both of them? If so, how?
The original connection string refers to a Microsoft Azure instance. A typical connection string to Azure looks like:
Server=tcp:[serverName].database.windows.net;Database=myDataBase;User ID=[LoginForDb]#[serverName];Password=myPassword;Trusted_Connection=False;Encrypt=True;
Your server name is qiu5vg5yhv.database.windows.net. Most likely your credentials are incorrect.
It is as Andrew said, you don't seem to have access to the actual database. Simply download either "SQL Server Management Studio" or "SQL Server Management Studio Express" (depend on which version of database you are using) and try to connect.
If you connect successfully, check if you can query the database of your project.
If you connect unsuccessfully, contact your system admin to arrange access.
If you want to understand more about connectionstring or create one, use the following site for template: http://www.connectionstrings.com/sql-server/
You can get the necessary database details by viewing the Properties of your database via "SQL Server Management Studio" (right click and select Properties --> View Connection Properties)
I met the same question. The key step is here.
I used vs 2013 update 4.
When you configured your SQL in azure, it generated a connect string.

Is there a universal connection string for different computers to connect to a local database using my program developed by vs2010

newbie here.
I have a local db in my program. Whilst I was developing the program I used the SQL
Connection string :
SqlConnection sconn = new SqlConnection(#"Data Source=.\SQLEXPRESS;AttachDbFilename=C:\Users\leemk_000\Documents\......Integrated Security=True;User Instance=True;");
Now If I want to load this program onto a different computer I am sure that this connection will no longer work simply because it will still be looking for Users\Lee_000\
I have tried to remove Lee_000 but I get this following error:
An attempt to attach an auto-named database for file C:\Users\Documents..... failed. A database with the same name exists, or specified file cannot be opened, or it is located on UNC share.
What can I do to get a connection string to work on different computers.
With many thanks
The whole User Instance and AttachDbFileName= approach is flawed - at best - especially when you want to share your database amongst multiple clients!
When running your app in Visual Studio, it will be copying around the .mdf file (from your App_Data directory to the output directory - typically .\bin\debug - where you app runs) and most likely, your INSERT works just fine - but you're just looking at the wrong .mdf file in the end!
If you want to stick with this approach, then try putting a breakpoint on the myConnection.Close() call - and then inspect the .mdf file with SQL Server Mgmt Studio Express - I'm almost certain your data is there.
The real solution in my opinion would be to
install SQL Server Express (and you've already done that anyway)
install SQL Server Management Studio Express
create your database in SSMS Express, give it a logical name (e.g. YourDatabase)
connect to it using its logical database name (given when you create it on the server) - and don't mess around with physical database files and user instances. In that case, your connection string would be something like:
Data Source=.\\SQLEXPRESS;Database=YourDatabase;Integrated Security=True
and everything else is exactly the same as before...
If it's a local db you should be placing it within the app folder and carry it with the app right?
Put the database in the App_data folder of your app and use that in your connection string
<add name="YourConnectionString" connectionString="Data Source=.\SQLEXPRESS;AttachDbFilename=|DataDirectory|\yourfile.mdf;Integrated Security=True;User Instance=True" providerName="System.Data.SqlClient"/>
You need to use a database server and let your users use it via your connection string like this;
Server=myServerAddress;Database=myDataBase;User Id=myUsername;Password=myPassword;
"myServerAddress" should be the ip adress of your server machine.

Cheat application to connect to different SQL Server database

At work I wrote an application that processes data from a SQL Server database and outputs it in file format.
Now I need to use it at home and since app has hard-coded connection string I've got a problem. I got a copy of database at my company, the original database is inaccesable from the outside of the company.
Connection string format looks like this
Data Source=serverName-01;Initial Catalog=dbName_01;Integrated Security=True;Pooling=False
I've tried to cheat app by editing windows hosts file:
serverName-01 127.0.0.1
But it did not work. Is there a way to make it work without going to work and editing source code ?
Lesson learned hard way - never hard-code connection srings :<
To do this you can use an alias defined in SQL Server Configuration manager. Create an alias for your local instance that has the exact same name as the one in the connection string.
Have a look at the following article for how to do this (it's pretty simple):
Create or Delete a Server Alias for Use by a Client (SQL Server Configuration Manager)

Connection string for remote SQL server 2008 without SQL Management Studio

I know its a classic problem, but I am too novice to even comprehend the basics (sorry). I have this ASP.NET "Website" with databases (SQL Server 2008), which I am trying to deploy on a Remote Host Server (HostGator) using WebSite Copy tool of VS 2010.
In VS 2010, I could grab the Connection string directly through the "property" of the database, which turned out to be:
Data
Source=.\SQLEXPRESS;AttachDbFilename="C:\Users\myName\Documents\Visual
Studio 2010\WebSites\Experiment\App_Data\data.mdf";Integrated
Security=True;User Instance=True
Now, I know that a website called http://connectionstrings.com/ exists, but its too overwhelming for me at first glance.
My current connection string:
Data
Source=domainName.com\SQLEXPRESS;AttachDbFilename=C:\inetpub\vhosts\domainName\httpdocs\Experiment\App_Data\data.mdf;Integrated
Security=True;User Instance=True
I am pretty sure, that this is wrong as its giving me the classic error of:
A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while
establishing a connection to SQL Server..
But I don't know how to fix it. Where to start looking, how to initiate, how to get the parameters required to build the connection string. How to find the path of the AttachDbFilename ? Can you please help?
I believe, that connection string is the only parameter which needs to be modified. If there's something else, then please suggest? Also, I keep coming across the usage of SQL Management Studio to make things work, I don't have that, so is it hard to accomplish this without it?
Please help, thanks.
You can't specify a directory relative to your own machine.
Change AttachDbFilename to
AttachDbFilename=|DataDirectory|data.mdf
The specifics for Data Source should be given to you from your hosting company, as well the security model (probably you need to use a specific user)
You can download SqlServer Management Studio Express from this link
Man,
What do you think about HttpServerUtility.MapPath Method. It returns the physical file path that corresponds to the specified virtual path on the Web server.
[]'s
When you get your hosting. They will provide the connection string for you. like this
<add name="ConnectionStringName"
connectionString="Data Source=localhost;Database=YourDatabaseName;Uid=YourUserNameForDatabase;password=yourpassword;"
providerName="System.Data.SqlClient" />
Let me know, if you need more help

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