Error accessing SQL Server through Visual Studio

I've been searching for this problem, and one of this days, I discovered a link I believe was somewhere from here (C-Sharp Corner) that used a .udl file to  configure the connection string. So I followed the steps described there, created the .udl  file and executed it. Once it showed up, I chose my SQL server name and database, and  using Integrated Security, once again, it showed a message saying the connection was successfully established, when I use the "Test Connection" option.

So, I went to  Visual Studio, and in the Server Explorer tab, I created a new Data Connection  and was able to open the tables as it was supposed to be, without any problem  regarding the login.

Then I copied the connection string it generated, and  replaced it in the Web.config file, and when I tried to login in the web site,  instead of the "Login failed for 'MyPCName\UserName'" exception, I'm getting a  message that says "Format of the initialization string does not conform to  specification starting at index 0."

I've been searching about it, and  most of the sites mention that the cause for this error is probably the usage of quotes when we weren't supposed to use them, for example (the example is for VB.NET):
Dim myConn As New  SqlConnection("strConnectionString")

Instead of

Dim myConn As New SqlConnection(strConnectionString)

The thing is I'm not using any declaraction of connection strings in my code as I'm using  DataSets.

I'm trying to use this connection string:



Also, I've tried using the sqlcmd utility, and I was able to connect to the server and execute queries through the command line, using Windows Authentication.
When I executed the SQL statement "SELECT CURRENT_USER" it returned dbo (as I'm the owner of that database), which is mapped to my Windows Login in the Security tab on the server node level.
I don't think so, but could a reinstall of SQL Server, in some way, be able to solve this problem?

Hi,

can you check for your connection string then? because if you're able to connect it through SSMS using user name and password then it must work.

Hi Sunny Kumar

Thanks for your answer.

The problem here is that  when I attached the database to SQL Server through SQL Server Management Studio,  and changed the connection string, I was unable to connect and that error "Login  failed for user '...' failed." occured.

As mentioned before, I have a  login for my Windows user in the SQL Server Management Studio, and the dbo user  in the ASPNETDB database is mapped to the login mentioned.

What I  don't understand is if it is possible that I've made any configuration in the  SQL Server Management Studio so that it doesn't accept remote connections  (although I've checked in the "Server Properties > Connections" tab, and  the "Allow remote connections to this server" option is checked). or  some other thing?

Hi P Silva,

Few things are there you need to do before going all the way.

First thing is to have a database on your SQL Server (that you already have).

Second is to create all the tables, stored procedures, views etc that are essential for AspNetSqlMembershipProvider. To do so, use "aspnet_regsql.exe". You will find this tool inside "%windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\"

Run this tool with admin previledges, click Next > select "Configure SQL server for application services > Next > put server  path like ".\SQLEXPRESS" (Path of your SQL Server Instance)  and other credentials and select a db from available list. and click Next > Next. This will create all the db components on selected database. Now you can use the database for AspNetSqlMembershipProvider.


Well, That was how to use ASP Membership Provider using SQL Server database. Coming to the point of your problem, If your database is local you can use Windows Authentication to get it working. Use a connection string like this:

"Server=.\SQLEXPRESS; Database=myDB; Integrated Security=true;"

That's all I think would get you out of the trouble. Happy coding :)

Mark it as answer if it helps.
Cheers!