Connecting to a geodatabase in SQL Server Express

Most users need to access and work with datasets in geodatabases, but not to perform administration tasks. If you are connecting to an ArcSDE geodatabase in SQL Server Express licensed through ArcGIS for Desktop, ArcGIS Engine, or ArcGIS for Server Workgroup to create or work with the data in the geodatabase, create a connection file using the Database Connection dialog box, which can be accessed from the Database Connections node in the Catalog window.

You need the following information to connect using the Database Connection dialog box:

Follow these steps to create a user connection to a geodatabase in SQL Server Express:

Steps:
  1. Expand the Database Connections node in the Catalog window in ArcMap.
  2. Double-click Add Database Connection.

    The Database Connection dialog box opens.

  3. Choose SQL Server from the Database Platform drop-down list.
  4. Type the name of the SQL Server Express instance in the Instance text box.

    SQL Server Express instances used for database servers are always named instances. Therefore, you will provide the instance name in this format: <computername>\<instance>; for example, yourcomputer\sqlex1.

  5. Type the name of the geodatabase to connect to in the Database text box.
  6. Choose Operating system authentication from the Type drop-down list.
  7. Click OK to make the connection.

A new connection file is created under the Database Connections node in the Catalog tree.

TipTip:

You can reopen the Database Connection dialog box to change the connection information by right-clicking the connection file and clicking Connection Properties.

2/10/2012