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Test a Connection via a UDL File

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Malcolm Stewart edited this page Oct 23, 2020 · 9 revisions

Test a Connection via a UDL File

What is a UDL File For?

A UDL file (Universal Data Link) allows you to test connectivity to any backend database independent of a full application. For connectivity to SQL Server, it may be useful to identify SQL Browser issues, disabled communication protocols on the server, or a firewall/antivirus blocking access to a port. Saving a UDL file generates a well-formed connection string, which the customer can compare to his application’s connection string.

Where Do I Get it From?

No external components are required. It is a feature of the OLE DB infrastructure in Windows.

Creating a UDL File

To create a UDL file, right click in any folder, select 'New', and then 'Text document'. Rename the document to the desired name, and change the file extension to .UDL; for example, TEST.UDL. As soon as you rename it, the text file icon should change to the UDL icon.

Note: Be sure the Windows Explorer setting Hide extensions for known file types is disabled or File Name Extensions is checked in Windows Explorer's View menu.

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