How do I create a Microsoft SQL Server database on my managed server?

• Managed Servers only: This article applies only to those customers with a Managed Dedicated Servers and Managed Virtual Servers which are being updated to use SQL Server Web Data Administrator for MSSQL database administration.
• It does not apply to Shared Hosting customers.  Shared Hosting customers should follow the databases link within their control panel to create SQL Server databases.

Creating MS SQL Database

1. Log in to the plesk control panel using the URL and credentials provided in the Welcome Email you received from us when the server was made available to you.

2. Over in the left pane of the control panel website you will see a link labeled "MSSQL Web Admin" as seen highlighted below.  Follow this link.
   
   

3. Create the database and give it a name
   
   - Inside the Plesk Window the SQL Server Web Data Administrator will open as seen below.  Follow the link "Create new database" which is highlighted for for the purposes of this tutorial.
   
   
   
   Once you have selected the option to Create new database a new page will load and you can enter the database name then click create.
   
   
   
   Once you click create you will automatically be directed into the database editor.  Proceed to the next steps to create a database user.

Creating a Database User

Creating a database user to use to connect to your database from your code will involve two steps: creating a SQL login, and then creating a dbuser mapped to that SQL login. 

1. Under the menu "Server Tools" select "Security" then click the box labeled Logins
   
   
   
   
   On the next screen click the option to "Create New Login"
   
   
   
   On the next screen select  the "Authentication Method" as Sql Login from the drop-down menu.  Create a unique login name (we suggest using a login name that will provide some recognition or representation as to the database you are going to associate the with the login). Then fill-in the password field (preferably something complex).  Click the Create Login button
   
   
   
   
   After clicking the create new login button you will be presented with a screen to edit the Login parameters, EDITING LOGIN page.  The ONLY required action here is to select the database created in the previous step from the drop-down menu.  Once you have selected your database from the drop-down click the "Save Changes" button.
   
   
   

2. Create a database user associated with your SQL Login.
   - In the SQL Web Admin, return to the databases screen.  Click "Databases", then click your database as highligthed in the example below.
   
   
   
   
   On the database page, click "Users" as seen highlighted over in the left navigataion pane of the SQL Web Admin site, then click "Create new user" highlighted on the right.
   
   
   
   
   On the CREATE USER PAGE, use the drop-down menu to select your SQL Login created in the previous step. (You can verify that you have selected the correct databse, note the database name has been highlighted for the purpose of this tutorial.)
   
   
   
   Once you have selected your SQL login, a database username will be generated in the user name field. Click the "Create User" button.
   
   
   
   
   On the EDIT USER LOGIN PAGE select the appropriate roles for this database user.  The check box beside Public will already be selected, you should also check the box for db_owner as seen below.  (Unless you are already inherently familiar with the properties of the other roles listed there, do not check any of the other boxes.) Click the "Save User" button at the bottom.
   
   

3. Your database and user login have now been configured and are ready to use!

Additional Notes:

• SQL Logins cannot be deleted via the SQL Web Data Administrator.  If you need a SQL login removed from the database server please contact 3Essentials support.
• If the SQL Web Data Administrator returns a 'blank' page during any part of this process, simply follow the the MSSQL Web Admin link over in the left navigation pane of the Plesk control panel to pick up where you left off.  (this can occur if the SQL Web Data Administrator is left unattended for more than a few minutes)
• 3Essentials still can provide direct access to your database server using SQL Server Management Studio from your desktop on request via our Secure DB Admin solution.  Please refer to the following KB on requeting this access: http://knowledge.3essentials.com/web-hosting/article/1595/Secure-DB-Admin.html