Hi Heribert,

Chris is correct in that the TCP/IP connect option is disabled by default for SQLServer Express (and the Developer version) during installation. The only way it would be enabled after you install is if you already have another instance (Standard, Enterprise etc.) installed with it enabled.

I agree with Roland in that using SQL Server Express LocalDB may be too limiting and so I would just go with SQL Server Express. However, if you're set on using a LocalDB approach, here is a link that should help you with the connection options and parameters: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/configure-windows/sql-server-express-localdb?view=sql-server-ver16

HTH...regards,

Mark

The LocalDB option is a limited feature minimal install for developers only. You would be better off with the full Express edition.

Are you able to connect to the database using the sql management studio tools?

You may have the wrong instance name/port etc.  so get it working with the database tools first so you know how to setup the connection string.

Thank you for the information.

My favorite is also Sql Server Express. I tried the LocalDb variant (running without a server process), but I haven't been able to do it yet.

One reason for this is that it is supposed to be an administration-free installation.

How can you define the path to the database files in the connection parameters so that localdb is started.

Thank you very much

When setting up the local SQL Server, make sure you choose SQL Server and Windows Authentication.

I don't remember having the issue Chris mentions.

It should be simple, set DBMS to 'ODB' and DBParm to:

ConnectString='DSN=<ODBC Profile Name>;UID=<userid>;PWD=<password>'

Hi Heriberto;

  SS Express is an excellent choice if you still want to use it. The only thing that stops connecting to it is because the TCP/IP protocol is turned off by installation default. Once you turn TCP/IP protocol on in SS, connecting should be a breeze.  HTH 

Regards ... Chris 

Hi.

SQL Anywhere Personal DB isn't free (you should contact SAP to get more information about SQL Anywhere, but I believe that personal edition isn't available anymore). You can use SQLite connecting via odbc, but sqlite isn't supported. You can even use mdb files as a database. But SQL Server Express is a better option, and it is supported for sure. Have you investigated why you were not able to connect to SQL Server?

Andreas.