What Should My SQL Server Connection String Look Like?

What Should My SQL Server Connection String Look Like?

When connecting your ASP.NET application to a Microsoft SQL Server, the connection string in your web.config file must be properly formatted based on your server settings and SQL version.

Standard Connection String Format:

<connectionStrings>     
  <add name="[ConnectionStringName]" 
       connectionString="Data Source=[YourSqlServer]; Initial Catalog=[YourDatabaseName]; User ID=[YourUsername]; Password=[YourPassword]" 
       providerName="System.Data.SqlClient" />   
</connectionStrings>

🔧 What to Replace:

• [ConnectionStringName] – Name your app expects (e.g., SiteSqlServer, CommerceTemplate)

• [YourSqlServer] – IP address or hostname of your SQL Server

• [YourDatabaseName] – The name of your database

• [YourUsername] – SQL Server login username

• [YourPassword] – Password for the SQL Server login

✅ Compatible with SQL Server Versions:

• SQL Server 2012

• SQL Server 2014

• SQL Server 2016

• SQL Server 2017

• SQL Server 2019

• SQL Server 2022

All of the above versions support the same format using System.Data.SqlClient.

💡 Connection String Notes:

• Do not include a trailing semicolon (;) at the end of the connection string. This can cause parsing issues.

• Make sure your SQL Server IP address is correctly set in your hosting control panel (e.g., Plesk, SOLIDCP).

• All credentials must match the ones configured when your database was created in the panel.

🎯 Common Connection String Names by Application:

For DotNetNuke, also check the <appSettings> section for a key named SiteSqlServer.