How to: Verify a Connection to a Data Source (Report Builder 2.0)
In Report Builder 2.0, in a report, you can verify that you have a valid connection to a data source when you add it to a report. There are two types of data sources: a shared data source on a report server or an embedded data source local to your report.
To test for a connection to a shared data source, create a new or open an existing dataset, and then create a query. Run the query to determine if there is a valid connection.
For an embedded data source, verify a connection by using the Data Source Properties dialog box.
For more information, see Working with Embedded and Shared Data Sources (Report Builder 2.0) and Specifying Credentials for a Report Data Source (Report Builder 2.0).
To verify a connection for a shared data source by using the query designer
In the Report Data pane, right-click the data source, and then click Add Dataset.
If your connection is successful, the Query Designer dialog box opens. The Run(!) button is enabled only if a connection can be made to the data source.
To verify a connection for an embedded data source by using the Connection Properties dialog box
In the Report Data pane, right-click the data source, and then click Data Source Properties.
Click Build. The Connection Properties dialog box opens.
In Server Name, verify the name of the server for the data source.
At the bottom of the dialog box, click Test Connection.
If your connection is successful, the Test results dialog box displays the message "Test connection succeeded." An unsuccessful connection times out with a message that begins with "An error message occurred while establishing a connection to the server."
To verify a connection using Preview
On the Home tab, in the Views group, click Run.
When you preview a report test, you test whether the credentials that you have provided are sufficient to retrieve the data from the data source.