How to Set a Default Connection in VDM

Set a Default Connection so VDM opens your preferred Connection Profile when the application starts. This is useful when you regularly work with the same database.

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How the Default Connection Works

The Default Connection setting identifies the saved Connection Profile VDM opens at startup when Load All Connections is disabled.

If Load All Connections is enabled, VDM loads all available Connection Profiles into the Tables and Fields panel at startup. To use the single default connection workflow, set Load All Connections to False.

Before You Begin

• Create and test the Connection Profile on the computer where you will use it.
• Confirm that the profile connects to the database you want to use at startup.
• Make sure the database and any required network connection will be available when VDM opens.

If you need to create a profile, see How to Create a Database Connection Profile in VDM.

Set the Default Connection

Step 1: Open Settings

Select Settings at the bottom of VDM, then select User Options to configure your user environment.

Step 2: Select the Connection Profile

In Connection Options, find Default Connection. Open its dropdown list and select the saved profile you want to use.

Important: Select a profile that has already been created and tested.

Step 3: Check Startup Loading

In the same settings group, set Load All Connections to False if you want VDM to open only the selected default connection at startup.

Click outside the edited field to complete the change.

For more information about the options categories and connection settings, see Understanding Settings in VDM. To access Global Options or Service Options, close VDM, right-click the VDM shortcut, and select Run as administrator.

Verify the Default Connection

1. Save any open work, close VDM, and reopen it.
2. Confirm that the selected profile opens in the Tables and Fields panel.
3. Check the active connection status and confirm that the expected tables are available.

See How to Open a Database Connection in VDM for connection indicators and troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting

• The profile is not available in the dropdown: Confirm that it has been created on this computer.
• All profiles load at startup: Check whether Load All Connections is enabled in the options category you are configuring.
• The default connection does not open: Try opening the profile manually and check the database credentials, server availability, network access, and required drivers.
• The wrong connection opens: Recheck the selected profile in Default Connection, then restart VDM and verify the active connection.

Need Help?

Contact support@bridgeworksllc.com for assistance. Include your VDM version, the selected profile name, and any error message. Do not include passwords or other secret credentials.