Configure MS SQL Server on Windows (7–11) for Java Applications

This guide explains how to set up MS SQL Server for Java applications with Windows Authentication, ensuring you can connect to your database using integratedSecurity mode.

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Prerequisites

• Windows OS: 7, 8, 10, or 11.
• MS SQL Server: Installed and running.
• Java: Installed (JDK/JRE).
• Admin rights on your computer to modify system files and firewall settings.

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Step 1: Download the MS SQL Server JDBC Driver

1. Visit the official Microsoft JDBC Driver for SQL Server page.
2. Select a version that matches your Java runtime (e.g., 12.6.3 or similar).
3. Download the .zip file.

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Step 2: Extract the JDBC Driver

1. Unzip the downloaded file to a folder of your choice.
2. Inside the extracted folder:
   • Locate the .jar file (e.g., mssql-jdbc-12.6.3.jre8.jar).
   • Locate the auth folder (contains auth.dll).

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Step 3: Add the JDBC Driver to Your Java Project

• Option 1: Add the .jar file to your project’s classpath manually.
• Option 2 (Recommended): Use Maven:

<dependency>
  <groupId>com.microsoft.sqlserver</groupId>
  <artifactId>mssql-jdbc</artifactId>
  <version>12.6.3.jre8</version> <!-- Adjust version as needed -->
</dependency>

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Step 4: Copy the DLL for Integrated Security

1. From the auth folder, copy the appropriate auth.dll (x64 or x86 depending on your system).
2. Paste it into your Java installation’s bin directory:
   • Example: C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-17\bin\

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Step 5: Configure SQL Server Network Settings

1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager (search in Start Menu).
2. Navigate to:
   • SQL Server Network Configuration > Protocols for MSSQLSERVER.
3. Enable TCP/IP.
4. Right-click TCP/IP, select Properties, and:
   • IP Addresses Tab:
     • Set TCP Port to 1433 for IPAll and other relevant IPs.
     • Ensure 127.0.0.1 is listed for local connections.

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Step 6: Allow Firewall Access

1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced Settings.
2. Add a New Inbound Rule:
   • Type: Port
   • Protocol: TCP
   • Port: 1433
   • Allow the connection.
   • Apply the rule to Domain, Private, and Public.

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Step 7: Update Your Connection String

Use the following format in your Java code to connect using Windows Authentication:

String connectionUrl = 
    "jdbc:sqlserver://localhost:1433;databaseName=YourDatabaseName;"
  + "integratedSecurity=true;"
  + "trustServerCertificate=true;";

• integratedSecurity=true; enables Windows Authentication.
• trustServerCertificate=true; allows self-signed certificates (for development).

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Additional Notes

• Always verify that your firewall and network configurations allow SQL Server traffic.
• If using Maven, ensure the driver version matches your Java version.
• If experiencing authentication issues, double-check that the auth.dll is placed correctly and matches your architecture (x64/x86).

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Contributing

• Fork this repository.
• Create a new branch: git checkout -b fix/configure-mssql.
• Add your changes.
• Commit your changes: git commit -m "Added clear README for configuring MS SQL Server on Windows".
• Push to the branch: git push origin fix/configure-mssql.
• Submit a Pull Request.