If the database is hosted on a server it is vital that any PC using DRIVE has access to the server at all times. If network connection is lost at any time DRIVE will be unable to access the database. To check if you have access to the server, go to the start menu, on Windows 10 when you start to type a search bar will appear, Windows 8 or 7 will have a search option at the bottom of the start menu. Type\\ followed by your server name, as shown above in figure 1, without the \relate extension.
For example in this instance we would type \\support and select return on the keyboard.
You should now see a screen with a number of files and icons similar to this, . This indicates that you have full access to the server.
If you do not have access one of the following two screens will be displayed. The first is a Windows security screen.
This screen indicates that you have not signed into the network. When the correct user name and password are entered, you will be able to access the network. If you do not know these you will need to contact your IT.
The second screen you may see is as below.
This indicates that the server is not accessible, either the wrong server name has been used, the security credentials entered above are incorrect or the server is not available on the network. An IT person will need to be contacted to resolve this.
SQL Instance Stopped
The number one cause of database connectivity issues is when the instance in SQL is stopped. This can automatically happen when any Windows Updates are run on a PC. To resolve this issue follow the below steps.
Launch SQL Server Configuration Manager by going to the Start Menu, All Programs, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 (or similar, depending on the version installed) and select SQL Server Configuration Manager.
Alternatively, on Windows 10, browse to your Start Menu, when you start to type a search bar will appear. Type one of the following two, these will vary depending on the version of SQL installed.
SQLServerManager10.msc
SQLServerManager11.msc
At the top of the screen you will see the application, select return on your keyboard or select the option from the screen using the mouse. The following screen will appear.
Here you can see 3 items. Note: RELATE may show as (RAPLOCAL) depending on your setup.
SQL Server (RELATE) – Should always be Running
SQL Server Agent (RELATE) – Should always be Stopped
SQL Server Browser – Should always be Running
In this case, SQL Server (RELATE) is stopped, this needs to be running.
To resolve this, right-click on the instance and select Start from the menu provided.
The following screen will appear, the instance is now starting.
When the instance has started it will appear on the Configuration Manager with 'Running' beside it
You can now close Configuration Manager and launch DRIVE, the login screens should now be available.
ODBC Connection
If starting the SQL instance does not resolve the issue, or the instance was not stopped to begin with, running an ODBC is the next step.
To run an ODBC on a 32 bit machine go to Control Panel> System and Security? Administrative Tools> ODBC.
To run an ODBC on an 64 bit machine got to the following file location, C:\Windows\SysWOW64 and select odbcad32.exe from the list. If extensions are hidden ensure the type is application
Double click on the Application, the following screen will be displayed. From here select 'Add'
Browse to the bottom of the list and select 'SQL Server' select 'Finish'
Type the following information
- Name: DRIVE
- Description: DRIVE
From the server option select the drop down arrow. This will list available SQL Server. Choose your server name. This is the same name that display when DRIVE advises you of a failed connection
When you have entered all the above information select 'Next'. If the connection fails as this point the most likely cause is that the server name is incorrect, or the server cannot be reached.
On the next screen choose Client Configuration.
From the left choose Named Pipes, then select OK
You will be brought back to the previous screen, select Next
Choose the default database.
1. Select 'Change the default database to:
2. From the drop down menu choose your database
3. Select Next.
Select 'Test Data Source'
The test should complete successfully, select OK.
Press OK on all screens until the ODBC has closed. You should now be able to login to DRIVE.
If the connection fails at any point check the server name and database name. These will be displayed on the DRIVE screen when a connection fails.
Alternatively if you are working in an office and other have access to the same database you are trying to connect to you can find these by going to DRIVE on another machine and selecting Tools>Change Database.
If you are still experiencing issues, please contact the support team at support@relate-software.com