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Article Goal: Set up the scheduler to use a SQL database instead a database file eliminating the need for starting / stopping the service.

Version: Available in version 10.2.1.0 and later.

In this article we provide the steps needed to leverage a SQL database for the scheduler.  This configuration is strongly recommended for production scheduling.  

NOTE: MySQL cannot be used for the Scheduler. Currently, there are no plans to include MySQL as an option for the Scheduler/Appointments/Database Files/MDS functions within VDM.

Why Use A SQL Database?

Using a SQL database over the CALENDAR file will allow users to make changes to the calendar without needing to start and stop the service. This is a huge advantage over the default method of using the CALENDAR file.

NOTE: SQL Express does not allow outside connections (only supports "local" connections). Full SQL supports both "local and remote". It is okay if the VDM Scheduler is running on the machine with SQL Express appointments. If SQL Express is not on the same machine running appointments, you will need SQL Express to be installed or full SQL somewhere in the network (accessible to VDM).

Where Do You Setup Using A SQL Database?

You can setup your SQL database connection in the settings of VDM.

Video Tutorial:

Not yet available.

Steps For Using a SQL Database for the Scheduler.

NOTE: VDM will need to be launched as an administrator to perform the steps below.

NOTE: SSMS will need to be downloaded and installed prior to setting up VDM's settings to leverage the SQL database.

1. Click on the Settings tab at the bottom of VDM.

2. Click on Profiles.

3. Click Scheduler.

NOTE: Click the scheduler text next to Email, not the scheduler text between View and Finished Reports.

4. Enter your SQL database connection information. (Server\Instance, Port, Database, Username, Password)

Note: If you have not created a login, you can use trusted connection or click here to create a new SQL Server Login. We recommend creating a dedicated account to run the scheduler.

5. Click Test Connection to verify the connection information was entered correctly.

NOTE: If the database is not detected, VDM will prompt to create it.

NOTE: If the database is not detected, VDM will prompt to create it.

Database Not Detected Prompt:

6. Save the scheduler connection profile.

7. Go into the User Options (Settings) and set Use SQL Database to True.

8. Set the SQL Connection setting to the scheduler profile you created in step 5.

9. Repeat steps 6 and 7 in the Global and Service options (must run VDM as Admin to get to Global / Service Options).

Global Options:

Service Options:

10. Close all instances of VDM, then restart the service.

Optional: If you have an existing calendar file with appointments and would like to import it, click here.