1. ToolsNet 8
2. Configuration
3. Working with the Database
4. Working with the Database using SQL and Windows Authentication

Working with the Database using SQL and Windows Authentication

From version 8.34 onward, database connectivity supports Windows Authentication. This lets users authenticate with their Windows credentials, providing an additional security layer compared with SQL Server Authentication. Using integrated Windows security helps protect sensitive data and simplifies access management so only authorized personnel can connect to the database.

The installation configurator offers two Database Authentication options:

• SQL Server Authentication (username and password)

• Windows Authentication

The default remains SQL Server Authentication and its behavior is unchanged.

User Interface Behaviour

When SQL Server Authentication is selected:

1. Enter a valid password under Settings -> On Premise -> Database Authentication Settings. The user account must have access to the target database(s).

2. Click Save.

3. Verify the connection in Database Installation as before. Make sure the configured account can connect to the database.

When Windows Authentication is selected:

1. Enter a valid domain user under Settings -> On Premise -> Database Authentication Settings. The domain user must have access to the target database.

2. Click Save.

3. In Database Installation, select Windows Authentication as the authentication mode.

4. Verify the database connection. The status should be green for a successful connection.

5. Click NEXT to start the database installation.

If there are unsaved changes on the Settings tab, no database installation flow can proceed. A pop-up informs the user that they must save the settings before continuing.

Configure the selected Domain User as the Windows service "Log On As" account for ToolsNet. Make sure the account has the right to log on as a service and has access to the target database, then restart the ToolsNet service.

After updating any database authorization configuration, run the installation scripts to apply the changes. If the scripts are not run, ToolsNet Web will not be able to connect to the database. Make sure the account used by ToolsNet has the required database access.