I'm trying to test rad tools for PHP, and am using a trial version of PhpED.

My problem is setting up the connection to a MS SQL server -- other tools I'm working with didn't have any problems, and I can connect to mysql servers.

I've put in the following:

Hostname: APPSERVER
Initial Database: TIMEMATTERS

But get the error "SQL server does not exist or access denied".

I've tried the following hostnames:
APPSERVER\TIMEMATTERS (proper syntax, worked elsewhere but it won't allow a "\")
10.1.1.200 (actual IP of the server)

I've tried the following initial databases:
TIMEMATTERS
TIMEMATTERS\TIMERMATTERS8
TIMEMATTERS8

All have the same results, all tried in combination, port has been verified (odbc connection is using port 1038, MS Access reads through the odbc without difficulty as does Delphi).

Any thoughts? I've attached the screen shot of the sql server administrator.

I'm only evaluating this software myself, so I can't comment on the connection panel usage.

What I can say is that you've got the naming concepts mixed up.

The name of the SERVER is "APPSERVER". It has a named instance named "TIMEMATTERS". Normally, in the SQL Server world, your server address would be a combination of server and instance, or "APPSERVER\TIMEMATTERS". I note that you have tried this, the problem with the slash may be specific to PhpEd, I don't have enough knowledge of the product to confirm.

The database name within this instance is "TimeMatters8". Be careful, your server may be case sensitive.

Also, check that you are using the correct port. By default SQL Server uses port 1433.

Port is correct (tested through ODBC and Delphi PHP access)

Case is correct (tested through ODBC and Delphi PHP access)

I completely understand the naming concepts and therin is the problem -- I can't give the instance with the server name (refuses the slashes), and it doesn't help to put it with the database (fails).

I can't believe that no one else has a problem with instances, and I do understand the concepts -- as I said, ODBC connection is flawless as well as Delphi PHP connection. Both tried using STATIC PORT -- 1038 is correct.

I do not have the answer to your question, sorry. However, I do want to comment that I think very few (if any) of us on this forum use PHP with MS SQL Server. You will find that the MySQL stuff works flawless in PhpED because that is what most of us do use. I suggest you submit a support ticket; Nusphere staff are generally very helpful.