Configuring VDM Scheduler to Use a SQL Database – BridgeWorks Help Center

Trouble Viewing Images? Right-click on any image and select "Open in new tab" to view a larger version. You can also zoom in using Ctrl + Mouse Wheel for easier readability.

Article Goal

Set up the VDM Scheduler to use a SQL database instead of the default calendar file. This eliminates the need to start/stop the service when making changes.

Why Use a SQL Database?

Switching from the .CALENDAR file to a SQL-based scheduler offers:

Benefits

Make calendar/job changes without restarting the service
Centralized, scalable database configuration
Better performance and reliability for larger job sets

Limitations

MySQL is not supported for Scheduler/Appointments/MDS
SQL Express only allows local connections — not remote

Where to Configure SQL Scheduler?

Scheduler database connections are configured under:

Steps to Set Up SQL Scheduler

Note: You must launch VDM as Administrator to complete these steps.
Note: Ensure SSMS is installed before proceeding. Reference: Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Express & SSMS Installation

Step 1: Open VDM Settings

Open VDM
Click the Settings tab (bottom of the interface)

Click Profiles

Step 2: Create a Scheduler Profile

Click on Scheduler

Click the "Scheduler" label next to email (not the one between "View" and "Finished Reports")

Fill in the SQL connection details:
- Server\Instance
- Port
- Database Name
- Username
- Password

Tip: You may use Windows Authentication (trusted connection) or create a dedicated SQL login.
How to Create a New SQL Server Login.

Click Test Connection

If the database does not exist, VDM will prompt you to create it

Click Save once connection is successful

Step 3: Enable the SQL Database Usage Settings

In User Options:

Set Use SQL Database → True

Set SQL Connection → Your newly created Scheduler profile

Repeat the above steps in:

Global Options (Global Options require launching VDM as Administrator)

Service Options (Service Options require launching VDM as Administrator)

Step 4: Restart & Verify

Close all VDM sessions
Restart the VDM Scheduler Service

Optional: Import an Existing Calendar File

If you’ve used the legacy .CALENDAR file and want to import previous appointments, click here for the import guide.

Article Summary

This article guides you through configuring VDM's scheduler to use a SQL database instead of the traditional calendar file system. By switching to SQL, users can make live changes to appointments and jobs without needing to restart the VDM service. This setup is especially recommended for production environments. The process includes defining your SQL server and authentication settings, updating the VDM configuration under user and service options, and ensuring the service account has the correct access. It ends with restarting the service and verifying connectivity through VDM's settings. While SQL Express works locally, full SQL Server is required for remote scheduling. This method ensures a more flexible and reliable scheduling environment.