All Apps and Add-ons

Using DB Connect to connect SQL Express instance

amulay26
Path Finder

I am trying to connect to a SQL Express Instance that is running on the MSSQL server. Tried using the edit URL option in order to explicitly mention the instance name. However it still causes issues and throws an error "Connection failed for user : user"

Is it necessary to have jtds driver instead of jdbc driver for the connection to SQL Express instance?

Thanks,
Akshay.

0 Karma

koshyk
Super Champion

My line of debug would be to
1. Ensure there is NO firewall or blocks between your server & the SQL server
2. Run a jdbc connectivity test via command line if possible. (Using a tool or some java code) and try using the driver which you have used in DBconnect and same credentials
3. The error mostly seems is related to USER authentication. Have a check on the logs in MSSQL server
4. Now try playing around within DBconnect. Try a SQL server which you know works and see the string for any small spelling mistakes

0 Karma

amulay26
Path Finder

Actually, did all that stuff for over a week.

Eventually used jTDS driver and edited the URL manually. It was able to make a connection. However, one question that comes to my mind is why did JDBC driver did not like connection to SQL Express Instance.

0 Karma

koshyk
Super Champion

strange. Are you sure you have the correct MSSQL JDBC server driver and version? (there are plenty of drivers, so just double checking about correct version and DBconnect compatible one)

https://docs.splunk.com/Documentation/DBX/3.1.4/DeployDBX/Installdatabasedrivers
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/jdbc/microsoft-jdbc-driver-for-sql-server?view=sql-serv...

0 Karma
Got questions? Get answers!

Join the Splunk Community Slack to learn, troubleshoot, and make connections with fellow Splunk practitioners in real time!

Meet up IRL or virtually!

Join Splunk User Groups to connect and learn in-person by region or remotely by topic or industry.

Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

Design, Compete, Win: Submit Your Best Splunk Dashboards for a .conf26 Pass

Hello Splunkers,  We’re excited to kick off a Splunk Dashboard contest! We know that dashboards are a primary ...

May 2026 Splunk Expert Sessions: Security & Observability

Level Up Your Operations: May 2026 Splunk Expert Sessions Whether you are refining your security posture or ...

Network to App: Observability Unlocked [May & June Series]

In today’s digital landscape, your environment is no longer confined to the data center. It spans complex ...