Connecting portier Vision Companion to Microsoft SQL Server (Correct Host Configuration)

Basic Rule

The server field sits in the Companion's database configuration screen. The sign-in screen has an entry that opens the same screen.

Server and port are separated by a comma, never by a colon.

Syntax:

ServerName or IPAddress,Port

Example:

192.168.1.50,1433

Incorrect:

192.168.1.50:1433

Typical Configurations

1. SQL Server on the Same Machine (Local)

localhost,1433

127.0.0.1,1433

2. SQL Server on a Network Server (Including Custom Ports)

If SQL Server runs on another machine in the network:

Default port example:

192.168.1.50,1433

Custom port example (very common in customer environments):

192.168.1.50,50100

If your SQL Server is configured with a custom static port (e.g. 50100), that port must be used.

3. Named Instance (e.g. SQLEXPRESS)

For named instances, use:

SERVERNAME\SQLEXPRESS

In this scenario:

No port needs to be specified manually
SQL Browser (UDP 1434) is used for instance discovery
The actual database port is resolved automatically
The resolved port is often a dynamic high port (e.g. 50345)

You do not need to know or configure the dynamic port manually.

For clarity and simplicity, it is not recommended to combine a named instance and a fixed port in standard setups.

Technical Requirements

To ensure a successful connection:

TCP/IP must be enabled in SQL Server Configuration Manager
The SQL Server port (e.g. 1433 or custom like 50100) must be open in the firewall
SQL Browser service must run when using named instances
UDP port 1434 must not be blocked (required for instance discovery)
SQL authentication must be enabled if a SQL login is used
Database user permissions must be correctly configured

No ODBC Data Source Needed

The Companion connects with its own driver. You do not set up an ODBC data source for it.

The Vision desktop is a different case. On SQL Server it needs ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server installed on the same machine. On Firebird neither application needs an ODBC driver.

Common Issues

Connection fails immediately

→ Colon used instead of comma between server and port

Connection timeout

→ Firewall blocking SQL port (1433 or custom port)

Named instance not found

→ SQL Browser service not running

Named instance not found

→ UDP port 1434 blocked

Login failed

→ Incorrect credentials

Login failed

→ SQL authentication not enabled

Works locally but not remotely

→ TCP/IP disabled

Server not found

→ SQL Server service not running

`Cannot connect to database 'X'. Switching to database 'master'.`

→ Database offline, missing, or insufficient permissions

Explanation of the Message

Cannot connect to database 'X'. Switching to database 'master'.

This message means:

The SQL Server connection itself works
But the configured target database cannot be opened

Typical reasons:

Database name is misspelled
Database was renamed or deleted
Database is set to Offline
Database is in Restoring or Recovery state
The SQL login has no permission for that database

In this case, SQL Server connects to the server but falls back to the default master database.

Summary

Always use a comma between server and port
Use custom port numbers if configured (e.g. 50100)
For named instances, use SERVERNAME\INSTANCENAME only
SQL Browser handles dynamic ports automatically
Ensure UDP 1434 is open for named instances

Correct:

192.168.1.50,50100