Ever wanted to an Ad-Hoc database connection test that you can perform wherever you are on whatever computer you happen to be logged onto (security permissions permitting)?

Well, you can use a Windows Universal Data Link (.udl) File. This Microsoft post gives details on how to create and configure a UDL file for use.

We are just creating it to test a connection, so we can follow the Microsoft steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer. (Although, your desktop will do).
2. Select the folder in which you want to store the .udl file. (Again, the desktop is fine for this).
3. Create a new Text Document file. A new file named New Text Document.txt appears in the directory. Rename this file, removing all spaces and changing its file

   

   extension to .udl.

Note A warning that changing file extensions can cause files to become unusable might appear. Disregard it.

If you are running Windows 98 and Windows NT systems with Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) installed, right-click the right pane, or results pane, select New, and choose Microsoft Data Link. A new file named New Microsoft Data Link.udl appears in the directory. You can rename this file.

Next, right-click the new file and select Properties. A dialog similar to the one in the adjacent figure appears.  Specify your provider on the Provider tab and then enter the connection information on the Connection tab.

Clicking ‘Test Connection’ will perform you desired test.