mssql_connect problems - need advice

Questions about the MySQL, PostgreSQL, and most other databases, as well as using it with PHP can be asked here.

Moderator: General Moderators

Post Reply
dstoltz
Forum Newbie
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:37 am

mssql_connect problems - need advice

Post by dstoltz »

Hi Folks,

I'm new to PHP (I'm a classic ASP programmer), and I thought the best way to tackle learning PHP, would be to just jump in and create a small app...so that's what I'm doing....

My web server is IIS6, and I'm connecting to a MS SQL 2000 database on a different server. I can successfully connect to the SQL database using ADO in PHP as follows:

$conn = new COM ("ADODB.Connection")
or die("Cannot start ADO");
$connStr = "PROVIDER=SQLOLEDB;SERVER=SQLSERVER;UID=USER;PWD=PASSWORD;DATABASE=MYDB";
$conn->open($connStr);

The problem is, there doesn't seem to be a good way in ADO to do queries that are SQL Injection-proof. So I am trying to get Paramiterized Queries working (with mssql_bind)....this is where I run into trouble - I can't even get that far, because I can't connect to the DB....my code is:

$connect = mssql_connect('SQLSERVER', 'USER', 'PASSWORD');
mssql_select_db('MYDATABASE', $connect);

The mssql_connect generates an error : Unable to connect to server

I've done a fair share of research, and I've tried the following:

1) making sure extension=php_mssql.dll is uncommented in the php.ini file
2) making sure the mssql_connect function is available with the function_exists (it is)
3) making sure mssql.secure_connection = off in the php.ini file
4) I've tried using the server IP with port, and different variations
5) I've tried using a different ntwdblib.dll version, although I'm not sure I had it in the right place

I just don't know what else to try....does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!
User avatar
Eran
DevNet Master
Posts: 3549
Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2008 12:36 am
Location: Israel, ME

Re: mssql_connect problems - need advice

Post by Eran »

This might be a long shot, but try specifying the port in the connection (you pass it along with the host name, separated with a comma). Otherwise it uses the port defined in the php.ini, which might not be what your SQL server is listening at.
dstoltz
Forum Newbie
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:37 am

Re: mssql_connect problems - need advice

Post by dstoltz »

Yes, I've tried that (see #4)...I've tried the IP address instead of the server name, with and without the port, etc....to no avail....
User avatar
Eran
DevNet Master
Posts: 3549
Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2008 12:36 am
Location: Israel, ME

Re: mssql_connect problems - need advice

Post by Eran »

Run phpinfo() and look for the part with information on the mssql extension. It might reveal potential problems
dstoltz
Forum Newbie
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:37 am

Re: mssql_connect problems - need advice

Post by dstoltz »

All looks good to me:

MSSQL Support enabled
Active Persistent Links 0
Active Links 0
Library version 7.0

Directive Local Value Master Value
mssql.allow_persistent On On
mssql.batchsize 0 0
mssql.compatability_mode Off Off
mssql.connect_timeout 5 5
mssql.datetimeconvert On On
mssql.max_links Unlimited Unlimited
mssql.max_persistent Unlimited Unlimited
mssql.max_procs Unlimited Unlimited
mssql.min_error_severity 10 10
mssql.min_message_severity 10 10
mssql.secure_connection Off Off
mssql.textlimit Server default Server default
mssql.textsize Server default Server default
mssql.timeout 60 60
User avatar
Eran
DevNet Master
Posts: 3549
Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2008 12:36 am
Location: Israel, ME

Re: mssql_connect problems - need advice

Post by Eran »

Ok this is my last try cause I'm out of ideas ;)
Is it possible the SQL server crashed? open Services under Adminstration Tools and restart it manually.
Oh and check the version of PHP you are using... it's such a remote chance but perhaps switching to the latest version could help.
dstoltz
Forum Newbie
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:37 am

Re: mssql_connect problems - need advice

Post by dstoltz »

Thanks....

Yeah the SQL server is running (40 other databases) - so I know it's up...

As for PHP, I'm running the latest version....

Thanks for the ideas....
Post Reply