Obtaining Databases from SQL Server 2008 using vb in VS 2012 - vb.net

I am fairly new to asp.net but have knowledge is vb. I am building an web application in visual studio 2012 using vb. I have a drop down list that is populated with two 2008 SQL Servers. There is another dropdown that will need to populated with a list of available databases on the selected server. I have a button that once clicked and the server is selected it will do a query and pull the list of databases
I have specified the server name in a globalvariables class and then imported it into the form I am using.
I am thinking that will need to do a IF statement that will need to say, If server1 is selected the open a connection and perform a query on the databases.
Here is my code that I have but its throwing an overload resolution failed because no accesible 'Open' accepts this number of arguments error:
Protected Sub getdb_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles getdb.Click
Dim objConnection As OleDbConnection
objConnection = CreateObject("OleDbConnection")
If DropDownList1.Text = globalvariables.servername1 Then
objConnection.Open("Provider=SQLOLEDB; Data Source=" & "globalvariables.servername1" & ";" & _
"Trusted_Connection=Yes; Initial Catalog=master")
End If
Please help me in getting the correct code as I have tried a number of items off of this site and nothing seems to work.

You use the New keyword to instantiate your objects
Dim serverName = DropDownList1.Text
Dim connectionString = "Provider=SQLOLEDB; Data Source=" & serverName & ";" & _
"Trusted_Connection=Yes; Initial Catalog=master"
Dim objConnection = new OleDbConnection(connectionString)
objConnection.Open()
and pass the instructions on how to open the database using a connectionString.
However, because you are using a SqlServer database why don't you use the specific classes provided for Sql Server?
SqlConnection, SqlCommand, SqlDataAdapter and so on....

Related

Additional information: There is already an open DataReader associated with this Command which must be closed first. vb.net

Dim cat As New Catalog()
Dim con As New OleDbConnection()
Dim cmd As New OleDbCommand
Dim ds1 As New DataSet
Dim conn As ADODB.Connection
' Open the Access database.
conn = New Connection
conn.ConnectionString =
"Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;" &
"Data Source=" + openExcel + "\Test" + ".mdb; Persist Security Info=False"
con.ConnectionString =
"Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;" &
"Data Source=" + openExcel + "\Test" + ".mdb; Persist Security Info=False"
conn.Open()
xlWorkSheet1.Columns(5).Insert
Dim cellValue As String = ""
Dim newValue As String = ""
Dim sh1 As String = ""
Dim qty As String = ""
Dim matchText As String = ""
Dim sql As String = ""
con.Open()
sh1 = LTrim$(xlWorkSheet1.Cells(i, 1).Text)
sql = "SELECT Num_ber, Q_ty FROM good WHERE Na_me LIKE 'staff%' And Ty_pe = 'ORD'"
Dim cmd As New OleDbCommand(sql, con)
Dim myReader As OleDbDataReader = cmd.ExecuteReader()
conn.Execute(sql)
myReader = cmd.ExecuteReader() ' HERE'S THE PROBLEM
xlWorkSheet1.Cells(1, 5) = myReader.GetString(0)
xlWorkSheet1.Cells(1, 11) = myReader.GetString(1)
myReader.Close()
conn.Close()
conn = Nothing
**I wanted to retrieve a specific value from mdb and then write it to excel.
Here's my code, I got this error so many times and I can't find it out. Can anybody help me? Thanks.**
[1]: https://i.stack.imgur.com/6Fuvg.png
Ok, you first have to decide when usng .net what "provider" you are going to use, AND THEN decide what kind of data objects you want to use.
You can use a oracle provider, a sql server provider, or in this case, since we using Access, then we can use EITHER oleDB, or ODBC. Either choice is fine. Most use oleDB providers for Access, but often ODBC is a good choice, especially if down the road you plane to swap out Access for say SQL server.
What the above means in plain English?
You don't want to adopt the external ADODB code and library. That code is NOT .net, and thus you REALLY but REALLY do not want to write your .net code that way. ADODB was written LONG before .net, and is what we call un-managed code (non .net). I strong, but strong suggest you do NOT add a reference to ADODB to your project, and I beyond strong recommend you avoid introduction of a non .net library for doing this!!! We certainly can adopt the oleDB provider in .net, but we will NOT have a direct reference to JET/ACE (the access database engine) in our applcation. As noted, there are some exceptions to this suggesting, but they don't apply to you and here.
Next up:
The design pattern in .net is to create the connection, get the data, and CLOSE the connection. This "pattern" will then be 100% sure that the data base is always closed, and you NEVER have to worry about if the connection is open, closed, or even if you forgot to close the connection!!! So, do this correct, and some "open" connection will never bite you, or will you have to worry about this issue.
You can in some operations keep the connection open for performance, but lets learn to walk before we run so to speak.
next up:
We certainly do NOT want to place and have connection strings all over in our code. Not only is this going to wear out your keyboard, but if you ever need to change the connection, then you going to have to hunt down all that code.
Best to let Visual Studio save that connection in ONE location, and MORE important MANAGE this for you!!!
Next up:
Do you ONLY need to work with mdb files, or do you plan/need to work with accDB files? This is a HUGE issue, and one that you cannot ignore.
next up:
Are you going to use the x32 bit version of the Access database system, or the x64 bit version?
Since your example posted code uses JET (access data engine for mdb files ONLY x32 bit version)?
Then this ALSO means you MUST (and I repeat MUST) force your .net project to run as x32 bits. You cannot use "any cpu", and you cannot use x64 bits, you MUST choose x86 bit size for your .net project. Failure to do so will result in the project not working.
Ok, with the above information?
First up, force/set/be 100% sure your project is set to run as x32 bits.
That setting is this one:
and remove the reference you have to ADO if you created one.
Ok,
next up:
Create the connection to the database.
Project ->properties.
This here:
And then:
and then
Now, you can browse, and select the access mdb file.
But, you MUST not skip the next step - you have to choose JET (older, mdb files), or choose the newer ACE (for accDB format files).
So, this:
now this:
As noted, you choose JET or ACE here.
now, we have this and you can use test connection.
BUT BE VERY careful!!!!
If you are using vs2022, then keep in mind vs2022 is the FIRST version of VS that is now x64 bits. As a result, vs can't pass the test connection!!! Your connection is in fact ok, but will fail with vs2022.
If you using a previous version of VS (before 2022), then the test connection button should work. and you see this:
Ok, now that we have a valid working conneciton setup, we can now write code, and we will NOT use ADODB!!!!
The typical code pattern to read and load a data table (like a access VBA recordset) will be like this:
Now, I became RATHER tired of writing that same using block over and over. So, in a global module, I have this code now:
Public Function MyRst(strSQL As String) As DataTable
Dim rstData As New DataTable
Using conn As New OleDbConnection(My.Settings.AccessDB)
Using cmdSQL As New OleDbCommand(strSQL, conn)
conn.Open()
rstData.Load(cmdSQL.ExecuteReader)
End Using
End Using
Return rstData
End Function
So, now with the above handy dandy helper routine?
Your code becomes this:
Private Sub Button2_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Button2.Click
Dim Sql As String =
"SELECT Num_ber, Q_ty FROM good WHERE Na_me LIKE 'staff%' And Ty_pe = 'ORD'"
Dim rstData As DataTable = MyRst(Sql)
Debug.Print("Na_me is " & rstData.Rows(0).Item("Na_me"))
End Sub
Or, display all return rows from that data table
Debug.Print("Na_me is " & rstData.Rows(0).Item("Na_me"))
For Each OneRow As DataRow In rstData.Rows
Debug.Print("na_me = " & OneRow("Na_me"))
Next
So, you really don't need (or want) a reader anyway. Just load the results into a nice clean, easy to use data table, and from that you can loop the table, grab rows, or do whatever you want.

Can't access Local SQL database manually by connection string in VB.NET using Visual Studio

I have a project set up with 3 separate tables. I used the built-in designer from Visual Studio.
The tables contain
Students
Courses
Tests in each course
All the tables share a studentnumber.
I have no problem getting and accessing the data true different tableadapters and corresponding bindingsources automatically generated by Visual Studio when I "drag and drop" them on the forms. I also am able to use the query builder to get the data I need from each table.
My problem occurs when I try to access the database manually via connection string.
I get this error:
Cannot attach file local path\HovedDatabase.mdf as database Outcomes because the file is already in use for database local path\HovedDatabase.mdf
This is the code I have:
Private Sub FormPrøver3_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
'TODO: This line of code loads data into the 'StudentDataSet.StudentTabell' table. You can move, or remove it, as needed.
Me.StudentTabellTableAdapter.Fill(Me.StudentDataSet.StudentTabell)
Me.StudentTabellTableAdapter.Connection.Close()
Get_Data_Manualy_Fag()
End Sub
Private Sub Get_Data_Manualy_Fag()
Try
'Create variabals for inputcontainer
Dim Studnr As String = Me.StudentnrLabel1.Text
'Create a connection to the DataBase
Dim myConn As SqlConnection
myConn = New SqlConnection("Initial Catalog=OutComes;Data Source=(LocalDB)\MSSQLLocalDB;AttachDbFilename=|DataDirectory|\HovedDatabase.mdf;Integrated Security=True")
'Create a Command object.
Dim myCmd As SqlCommand
myCmd = myConn.CreateCommand
myCmd.CommandText = "SELECT Fag FROM Fag3Tabell WHERE Fag = #Studnr"
myCmd.Parameters.AddWithValue("#Studnr", Studnr)
'Open the connection.
myConn.Open()
'Process the answer
Dim myreader As SqlDataReader
myreader = myCmd.ExecuteReader
'Traverse the DataSet and Display :
Dim i As Integer = 0
Do While myreader.Read()
Me.ComboBox1.Items.Add(myreader.GetString(i))
i = i + 1
Loop
'Close the connection
myConn.Close()
'Handle errors
Catch ex As Exception
MessageBox.Show(ex.Message)
End Try
I set up a similar project with a similar LocalSQL database. I have done nothing in Visual Studio other than creating the database with the same tables.
Here I have no problem connecting to the database via manual connection string.
My question is: why can't I access the local DB with a connection string in the first project?
You haven't posted your other connection string, but it looks like AttachDbFilename may be the problem. The DB will already be attached, this option is only meant to be used in single-user mode (one connection only).
Best bet is to permanently attach the DB to the LocalDB instance if that is what you are using the whole time.

Select data from an ODBC connection into a MS Access database

A little background first. Where I work we have limited access to programming tools. We have access to the Microsoft Office Suite and therefore most of our projects are created in Access even though there are better solutions out there. We recently received access to Visual Studio 2013 and I am interested in converting some of our more heavily used tools into VB.NET projects.
I have a good understanding of VBA after using it for so many years, however, converting to VB.NET is definitely a change and although I understand the concept of it, many of the functions I used in the past do not exist in VB.NET.
Which leads me to the following question.
How do I connect to one database, an ODBC connection, then put selected fields from a table in that database to a table in a Microsoft Access database?
Here is my current code.
Imports System.Data.Odbc
Imports System.Data.Odbc.OdbcCommand
Imports System.Data.OleDb
Public Class Form1
Dim conn As OdbcConnection
Dim connBE As OleDb.OleDbConnection
Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Me.Load
Call Connect_SLICWave()
Call Connect_Backend()
Dim sqlInsert As String = "INSERT INTO tblUOCs (EIAC,LCN,ALC,UOC) SELECT DISTINCT Trim(EIACODXA),Trim(LSACONXB),Trim(ALTLCNXB),Trim(UOCSEIXC) FROM ALAV_XC"
Dim beCmd As New OleDb.OleDbCommand(sqlInsert, connBE)
beCmd.ExecuteNonQuery()
End Sub
Private Sub Connect_SLICWave()
Dim connectionString As String
connectionString = "Dsn=slic_wave;uid=userid;pwd=password"
conn = New OdbcConnection(connectionString)
End Sub
Private Sub Connect_Backend()
Dim connectionStringBE As String
connectionStringBE = "Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\database.accdb"
connBE = New OleDb.OleDbConnection(connectionStringBE)
End Sub
End Class
Clearly this is not going to work. I have tried a few things based on examples on the Internet but have been unable to piece together any kind of code that works.
When using the Access database I would simply link to the tables in both the ODBC connection and the backend Access database and then I could use DoCmd to run SQL to move data as needed, however with VB.NET I don't have that luxury. Perhaps I am going about this all wrong due to my lack of knowledge with Visual Studio.
Is there a better way to accomplish my end goal? I need to be able to refer to the data in the ODBC connection and then store it somewhere so that I can output a specific dataset to the end user. Can/should I use a DataSet or DataTable? How much data can be stored in a DataSet/DataTable before the program would become unstable? The data used in this process can be quite excessive at times.
Typically the user would send the tool some criteria with 4 or 5 fields worth of data. The tool will then turn around and take that criteria to get the proper dataset from the ODBC connected database using joins on about 5 to 7 tables and returns one set of data to the user. Yes, it is a bit excessive, but that's the requirement.
I hope I am explaining this well enough without being too generic. The nature of my business prevents providing specific examples.
Sorry for being longwinded and I appreciate any effort that goes into helping me solve this issue. If there is anything that needs to be clarified please let me know and I will try to explain it more clearly.
You may find it helpful to be aware that when you run a query against the Access Database Engine from a .NET application you can use ODBC references in your queries and the engine will perform the required ODBC connections for you. In effect, these are temporary "on the fly" ODBC linked tables created for that specific query.
Say we have a table named [product] in SQL Server
id name
-- -----
1 bacon
2 tofu
and we can reach that SQL Server instance via an ODBC DSN named "myDb". We can reference that table from an Access query as
[ODBC;DSN=myDb].[product]
So, for example, if we want to query an Access table named [Orders]
OrderID ProductID Qty Units OrderDate
------- --------- --- ----- ----------
1 1 3 pound 2016-10-17
and pull in the product names from the SQL Server table named [product] we can do this in VB.NET:
Dim myConnectionString As String =
"Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;" +
"Data Source=C:\Users\Public\Database1.accdb;"
Using conn As New OleDbConnection(myConnectionString)
conn.Open()
Dim sql As String =
"SELECT p.name, o.Qty, o.Units " +
"FROM " +
"Orders o " +
"INNER JOIN " +
"[ODBC;DSN=myDb].[product] p " +
"ON p.id = o.ProductID"
Using cmd As New OleDbCommand(sql, conn)
Using rdr As OleDbDataReader = cmd.ExecuteReader
While rdr.Read
Console.WriteLine("{0} {1}(s) of {2} ", rdr("Qty"), rdr("Units"), rdr("name"))
End While
End Using
End Using
End Using
which prints
3 pound(s) of bacon
First of all, I need to ask about the original source for your SLICWave ODBC connection. Is it still in Access, or are you perhaps pulling from Sql Server or similar at this point? ODBC is going to pass your command statement on to the original source, and if you're using Sql Server now, instead of Access, some of the SQL syntax will change on you.
For the remainder of the question, I'll assume the SQL you have will work if executed. If it turns out you need help converting that to T-SQL for SQL Server, open a separate question limited to that specific problem.
That out of the way, I'm now going to limit my scope to this statement:
I need to be able to refer to the data in the ODBC connection and ... output a specific dataset to the end user.
What you want to do is put a DataGridView control on your form (I'll use the default DataGridView1 name for now). Then make the form code look like this:
Imports System.Data.Odbc
Imports System.Data.Odbc.OdbcCommand
Imports System.Data.OleDb
Public Class Form1
Private Property SLICWaveConnectionString As String = "Dsn=slic_wave;uid=userid;pwd=password"
Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Me.Load
Dim sql As String = "SELECT DISTINCT Trim(EIACODXA),Trim(LSACONXB),Trim(ALTLCNXB),Trim(UOCSEIXC) FROM ALAV_XC"
Dim dt As New DataTable
Using cn As New OleDb.OleDbConnection(SLICWaveConnectionString), _
cmd As New OleDb.OleDbCommand(sql, cn)
da As New OleDb.OleDbDataAdapter(cmd)
da.Fill(dt)
End Using
DataGridView1.DataSource = dt
End Sub
End Class
Imports System.Data.OleDb
Public Class Form1
Public con As New OleDbConnection("Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\stores\Stock.accdb")
Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
con.Open()
Dim sql As String = "SELECT * FROM Stock"
Dim dt As New DataTable
Dim cmd As New OleDbCommand(sql, con)
Dim da As New OleDbDataAdapter(cmd)
da.Fill(dt)
DGV.DataSource = dt
con.Close()
End Sub
End Class

Setting Up SqlConnection string in vb.net for a local database created through visual studio 2010

I have been searching for a couple hours, and found several questions, but none of them really explained this in a way I can understand.
I'm programming a game similar to Rock Paper Sissors, except with many more selections, and the possiblity of a tie. I had originally hardcoded all of the possible outcomes, then decided to try a database so I can learn and practice sql as well.
Problem is, I can't figure out for the life of me how to connect to my local database, now that I have set it up and filled it through Visual Studio 2010. I can connect to it through Server Explorer just fine, and I can see it in Solution Explorer. I've tried several things, along the lines of:
Private sqlConn As New SqlConnection("Data Source=(local)|DataDirectory|\Outcomes.sdf;database=Outcomes;Integrated Security=true")
Private sqlConn As New SqlConnection("Data Source=.\SQLEXPRESS; Integrated Security=true")
Dim sqlConn As SqlConnection
sqlConn = New SqlConnection("DataSource=..\..\Outcomes.sdf")
I am relatively new to sql, but know enough through tinkering to build a sql statement and get me the result I want. But I've never connected to a database before. I've looked on MSDN and tried several things I saw on there (everything that looked like what I needed, really) but it still hasn't worked.
If I can connect, I already have my statement set, and have tested it through the database itself. Any help would be wonderful, especially if it's explained in a way I can understand it and use it for later.
Also, if it helps and isn't noticed through my tried code, my db name is Outcomes. I don't know if that is needed or will help, but just in case.
Please visit connection strings here...
It also would have been helpful to know what type of DBMS you are using as well. I noticed you have an .sdf database file, not a DBMS (For ex: MySql, SQL or Oracle). Therefore, your connection string is really going to depend on what you want.
Your issue is here by the way...
Private sqlConn As New SqlConnection("Data Source=(local)|DataDirectory|\Outcomes.sdf;database=Outcomes;Integrated Security=true")
*You cant use the SqlConnection you have because its not supported with the use of .sdf files.
Instead you have to use: System.Data.SqlServerCe 'This is for compact edition
If you would like to know more about this please see here.
Kendra,
Here are the logical Steps you will need to follow to access the database programmatically:
Note: I'm assumming you have the proper SQLExpress | SQL Server Database setup whether local or remote the methods below are identical except for the connection string information.
1) Import the Sql AdoNet Namespace so you can use the proper SQL Server Client Objects & Methods;
a) Imports System.Data.SqlClient
2) Establish a Connection to the database with the ADO Connection Object:
' Create your ADO Connection Object:
Private myConn As SqlConnection
myConn = New SqlConnection("Initial Catalog=OutComes;" & _
"Data Source=localhost;Integrated Security=SSPI;")
Note: This connection string uses integrated security from your windows machine. you could also use standard security where you would need to enter your username and password credentials. Its your choice.
3) Setup Your ADO Command Object to Define your data retrieval query:
'Create a Command object.
Private myCmd As SqlCommand
myCmd = myConn.CreateCommand
myCmd.CommandText = "SELECT FirstName, LastName FROM Employees"
'Open the connection.
myConn.Open()
Note: Subsitute CommandText string for your actual query based upon your own database schema.
4) Read, Fetch, Display Data using the SQLDataReader Object:
Private results As String
Private myReader As SqlDataReader
myReader = myCmd.ExecuteReader()
'Traverse the DataSet and Display in GUi for Example:
Do While myReader.Read()
results = results & myReader.GetString(0) & vbTab & _
myReader.GetString(1) & vbLf
Loop
'Display results.
MsgBox(results)
5) Gracefully Close all Objects Used:
' Close the reader and the database connection.
myReader.Close()
myConn.Close()
Note - You'll need to consult microsoft for further connection string formats, since I don't have enough info. But this should clarify the actual big picture steps for you.
Regards,
Scott

SSCE - Multiple-Step OLE DB operation generated errors

I'm using a SQL Server Compact database (3.5). I have run through every article on this site (and others) I could find about this issue, but can't seem to find the problem. I am using Visual Studio 2012, VB.Net.
My provider string is:
Dim sqlConn As New System.Data.OleDb.OleDbConnection("Provider=Microsoft.SQLServer.CE.OLEDB.3.5;Data Source=" & My.Application.Info.DirectoryPath & "\pw.sdf" & ";Password=XXXyyy1234;Persist Security Info=True;")
My code where it all breaks down is:
'Create SQL Query
Dim SQLString As String = "SELECT * FROM EmailGroups"
'Create Dataset, Open Connection
Dim dsPWC As New DataSet()
Dim OleDbDataAdapter1 As System.Data.OleDb.OleDbDataAdapter = New System.Data.OleDb.OleDbDataAdapter(SQLString, sqlConn)
sqlConn.Open()
And, of course, it breaks down on .Open().
I picked selecting from that datatable because it is a simple one.
EmailGroup_UID [int][PK]
EmailGroup_Name [nvarchar][length=50]
I'm sure I've been simply staring at this too long and can't see the forest for the trees anymore, so I'm hoping someone can slap me straight :)
Thanks in advance.
EDIT: This code all works when tying to the original MS Access 2007 database (accdb). Different provider, of course. And - I didn't import the tables, I re-created manually.
2nd EDIT: Immediate Window says 'A first chance exception of type 'System.Data.OleDb.OleDbException' occurred in System.Data.dll'
You should use SqlCeConnection instead of OldDbConnection.
if you must use OleDbConnection, use "ssce:database password" like so:
"Provider=Microsoft.SQLServer.CE.OLEDB.3.5;Data Source=" & My.Application.Info.DirectoryPath & "\pw.sdf" & ";SSCE:Database Password=XXXyyy1234;Persist Security Info=True;"