Connecting to SQL Server to publish to a spatial data server

To connect to SQL Server from ArcGIS for Desktop to create a map and publish data to a spatial data server, you must install a supported SQL Server Native Client on the computer where ArcGIS for Desktop is installed, ensure your database is accepting connections, and create a connection to the database.

You can download the SQL Server Native Client from the Esri Customer Care portal or from the Microsoft Download Center. Follow Microsoft's instructions to install the SQL Server Native Client on your client machine.

Steps:

1. Log in as a Windows administrator to the computer where ArcGIS for Desktop is installed.
2. Install SQL Server Native Client.
3. Start ArcCatalog or start ArcMap and open the Catalog window.
4. Expand the Database Connection node and double-click Add Database Connection.
5. Choose SQL Server from the Database Platform drop-down list.
6. Type the name of the SQL Server instance in the Instance text box.
7. Type the name of the database you want to connect to in the Database text box.
8. Use database authentication to connect, and type the user name and password of the connecting user in the appropriate text boxes.

   Be sure to leave Save user name and password checked.

9. Click OK to make the connection.

A new database connection is listed under the Database Connections node.