Configuring WebReports SQL Server Using SSMS

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Article Goal

Guide users through configuring a Microsoft SQL Server instance for WebReports using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), including authentication setup, database creation, and user permissions.

What Is This Configuration For?

When setting up WebReports, VDM requires a properly configured SQL Server instance to host the WebReports database. These steps ensure:

• SQL Server allows authentication via SQL and Windows

• A dedicated database exists for WebReports

• A login and user account is assigned with the correct roles

Tip: This process only needs to be completed once per server during WebReports installation or migration.

Steps to Configure Your SQL Server for WebReports

Step 1: Launch SSMS and Log In

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio

2. Enable Trust Server Certificate and connect to your SQL Server Instance

Tip: Copy the server's name (e.g., BW_CP001) and save it—you'll need it later.

Step 2: Enable SQL + Windows Authentication

• Right-click your SQL Server instance and select Properties

• Go to the Security page

  • Set Server Authentication to: SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode

  • Click OK, then confirm settings

Step 3: Restart the SQL Server Instance

• Right-click the server again and select Restart

• Click Yes when prompted

Note: A restart is required to apply authentication changes.

Step 4: Create the WebReports Database

• Expand your SQL Server instance

  • Right-click Databases → Select New Database

• Enter a name (e.g., WebReports), then click OK

Copy and save this database name—you’ll reference it during WebReports setup.

Step 5: Create a Login for WebReports

• Expand the Security folder

  • Right-click Logins → Select New Login

• Under Login Name, enter a new login (e.g., WRAdmin)

Save this login name for future use in appsettings.json.

Step 6: Configure Authentication and Password

• Select SQL Server Authentication

• Enter and confirm a strong password

Important Note:
Do not use / \ { } ; in the password—these characters conflict with appsettings.json.

• Uncheck:

  • Enforce password expiration

  • User must change password at next login

Step 7: Assign Database Permissions

• In the New Login window, go to User Mapping

• Check the box next to the WebReports database

• Enable the following roles:

  • db_datareader

  • db_datawriter

  • db_owner

  • db_securityadmin

• Click OK to create the login and assign permissions

Article Summary

To configure your SQL Server for WebReports, you must:

• Enable mixed authentication

• Create a dedicated WebReports database

• Set up a SQL login with the required roles

• Avoid restricted characters in passwords

• Restart the server to apply changes

Use Case: You're setting up WebReports in a new environment and need a secure, SQL-ready backend database.