Connecting to your MS SQL database to run a query

You can connect to your MS SQL database either through a tool provided by your Web hosting company (some Web hosting control panels include such a tool) or using a desktop application. There are two free desktop applications that you can use:

• SQL Enterprise Manager (for SQL 2000)
  To install it download a free trial of MS SQL 2000, and during installation opt to only install the “Tools”. You will be able to use the Tools beyond the free trial period.
• SQL Server Management Studio (for SQL 2005)
  To install it download the "Express" edition, which is free, from the “Files in this Download” section of the page.

Download and install the software of your choice.

In either application, connect to the SQL server, find the database you want to use and highlight it in the Server Manager window. Once your Database is highlighted, click on “Tools” and select “SQL Query Analyzer”.

This will bring up the SQL Query Analyzer with the correct database already selected. On the SQL Query Tool Analyzer toolbar, pick the “Load SQL Script” button (CTRL+SHIFT+P). This will allow you to load the SQL script into the SQL Query Analyzer. Once the script is loaded, you will see it in the Query window.

To run the script, click the “Execute Query” button (F5) on the toolbar. The script will run and create all the objects that are needed in the database. The process might take some time as dozens of tables need to be created.