Create and Modify Embedded Data Sources

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An embedded data source is defined in a report definition and used only by that report.

To create an embedded data source in Report Designer

  1. On the toolbar in the Report Data pane, click New and then click Data Source. The Data Source Properties dialog box opens.

    Note

    If the Report Data pane is not visible, click Report Data on the View menu.

  2. In the Name text box, type a name for the data source or accept the default. The data source name is used internally within the report. For clarity, we recommend that the name of the data source contain the name of the database specified in the connection string.

  3. Verify that Embedded connection is selected, and do the following.

    1. From the Type drop-down list, select a data source type; for example, Microsoft SQL Server or OLE DB.

    2. Specify a connection string using one of the following alternatives:

      • Type the connection string directly in the Connection string text box. For a list of example connection strings, see Create data connection strings - Report Builder & SSRS.

      • Click the expression (fx) button to create an expression that evaluates to a connection string. In the Expression dialog box, type the expression in the Expression pane. Select OK.

      • Click Edit to open the Connection Properties dialog box for the data source type you chose in step 2.

        Fill in the fields in the Connection Properties dialog box as appropriate for the data source type. Connection properties include the type of data source, the name of the data source, and the credentials to use. After you specify values in this dialog box, click Test Connection to verify that the data source is available and that the credentials you specified are correct. For more information about specific data source types, see topics in Add Data from External Data Sources (SSRS).

    3. Click Credentials.

      Specify the credentials to use for this data source. The owner of the data source chooses the type of credentials that are supported.

  4. The new embedded data source appears in the Report Data pane.

To create an embedded data source in Report Builder

  1. On the toolbar in the Report Data pane, click New, and then click Data Source. The Data Source Properties dialog box opens.

  2. In the Name text box, type a name for the data source or accept the default.

  3. Verify that Use a connection embedded in my report is selected.

    1. From the Select connection type drop-down list, select a data source type; for example, Microsoft SQL Server or OLE DB.

    2. Specify a connection string by using one of the following alternatives:

      • Type the connection string directly in the Connection string text box. For a list of example connection strings, see Create data connection strings - Report Builder & SSRS.

      • Click the expression (fx) button to create an expression that evaluates to a connection string. In the Expression dialog box, type the expression in the Expression pane. Select OK.

      • Click Build to open the Connection Properties dialog box for the data source type that you chose in step 2.

        Fill in the fields in the Connection Properties dialog box as appropriate for the data source type. Connection properties include the type of data source, the name of the data source, and the credentials to use. After you specify values in this dialog box, click Test Connection to verify that the data source is available and that the credentials you specified are correct.

  4. Click Credentials.

    Specify the credentials to use for this data source. The owner of the data source chooses the type of credentials that are supported. For more information, see Specify Credential and Connection Information for Report Data Sources.

  5. Select OK.

    The data source appears in the Report Data pane.

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