Connect to Any SQL Server Component from SQL Server Management Studio

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Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio provides functionality for managing every component of SQL Server 2005. Use Management Studio to connect to:

  • An instance of the Database Engine.
  • SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services (SSAS).
  • SQL Server 2005 Integration Services (SSIS).
  • SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services (SSRS).
  • SQL Server Compact Edition.

Although Management Studio allows you to work with queries without first establishing a connection to a data source, most other tasks require a connection. Management Studio provides the Connect to Server dialog box to configure connection properties to SQL Server components. When Management Studio starts, it opens the Connect to Server dialog box and prompts you to connect to a server. The Connect to Server dialog box retains the connection settings from the last time it was used.

Note

This feature can be turned off so no connection is automatically initiated. For more information, see Setting the Startup Options.

Saving Connections

You can save connections to specific servers in Registered Servers, or you can save connections in projects with Solution Explorer.

Saving Connections in Registered Servers

When you register a server, Management Studio saves the connection information in Registered Servers. To connect to a registered server, double-click the server name in Registered Servers. Object Explorer then opens a connection to the server.

Saving Connections in Solution Explorer

Solution Explorer allows you to store related queries, scripts, connections, and other associated information in a project. Each script project contains a node called Connections, where you can save one or more connections. To add a connection, right-click Connections, and then click New Connection. To access a saved connection, expand Connections and double-click the connection. Management Studio opens a query window associated with that connection. When saved, scripts retain their association to a specific connection.

See Also

Concepts

Using Registered Servers to Manage Servers
Using Object Explorer

Other Resources

Introducing SQL Server Management Studio
Server Registration How-to Topics
How to: Connect to SQL Server from Windows Vista

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance