Windows 7 x32 software with dns-less MSSQL connection fail to connect

[Riebens]

I have 32 bit software that makes use od DNS-less conenction to MSSQL 2008 server. On W7 x64, it fails to connect to a server, and returns '08001 sql server does not exist or access denied'

If I run the same software on the XPMODE, then it connects fine to the SQL server, making me belief there is something on the ODBC setup in W7x64 that is not supplied correctly to the Software when running in DNS-less.

Other than changing the software to DNS conenctions, is there any other way to get x32 software on x64 OS to use DNS-less connections to MSSQL 2008?

Kind Regards

Ben

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're facing compatibility issues with your 32-bit software on a 64-bit Windows 7 operating system when trying to establish DNS-less connections to MSSQL 2008. The fact that it works in Windows XP Mode indicates that there may be differences in the ODBC setup between the two environments. Here are a few suggestions to potentially resolve this issue without changing the software to use DNS connections:

Options for Establishing DNS-less Connections on a 64-bit OS:​

1. ODBC Administrator Configuration:
   • Ensure that the ODBC settings on your 64-bit Windows 7 system are correctly configured to support DNS-less connections.
   • Check if the ODBC driver for SQL Server is properly installed and configured for use by the 32-bit applications.
   []Using SQL Native Client:
   • If your software supports it, try using the SQL Native Client driver for ODBC connections. This driver might provide better compatibility with 32-bit applications on a 64-bit system.
   []ODBC Data Source Setup:
   • Double-check the ODBC Data Source setup on the 64-bit Windows 7 system. Make sure that the settings match those on the XP Mode system where the connection is working.
   []Environment Variables:
   • Verify if there are any environmental variables that need to be set for your software to correctly locate the SQL Server instance without DNS.
   []Compatibility Mode:
   • You can try running the software in compatibility mode. Right-click on the executable, go to Properties, and under the Compatibility tab, set the compatibility mode to an earlier version of Windows.
2. Virtualization:
   • Consider using a virtualization solution like VirtualBox or VMware to run the software in a virtual machine with a 32-bit operating system where the connection is successful.

     Additional Considerations:​

     • Firewall Settings: Ensure that firewall settings are not blocking the connections.
     • Driver Compatibility: Check if the ODBC driver being used is fully compatible with 32-bit applications on a 64-bit system.
     By exploring these options, you may be able to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue with establishing DNS-less connections on your 64-bit Windows 7 system. If you encounter any specific errors or need further assistance with any of these steps, feel free to provide more details for additional support.