test a Connection String

Question

Hi All

I have an app which allows the user to specify the connection string themselves. ie, there is a text box for them to insert the Server, the database, the username and the password.

I would like to add a function to allow them to test the connection. So when they click on "test" I want to be able to see that the information that they have inserted is correct.

Is there anyone who know's how I can go about testing the string and then reporting back to the user what the error is if there is one?

Thanks in advance.
Ricardo

Scott Lysle · Answer

Why not use the string provided by the user in an attempt to connect to the database within a try-catch block; if the attempt fails send the error message from the attempt to the user in a messagebox. try { using ( SqlConnection conn = new SqlConnection (UserProvidedConnString)) { conn.Open(); } } catch(Exception ex) { MessageBox.Show(ex.Message Invalid Connection String); }