Very general mssql question...

maxxd

Hello all! I develop php on apache with MySQL, and have come across a situation wherein I have to connect to a remote mssql database. I've searched the manuals and the boards, and have tried "mssql_connect($host, $user, $password);", only to get the error message that I am trying to call an undefined function with mssql_connect. Now, my question is this - the page I'm creating will be run off a server that I do not control. Am I getting the error message because of something not being installed on my hosting server, or do I need to use odbc stuff (I've seen some replies about this in some posts across the board and 'net in general). Basically, where to start trying to troubleshoot is what I'm asking. I inherited this damned project several months overdue and would really like to get moving it out the door, and any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

TheDefender

The function is being called from your server, so you need to edit your php.ini file, and look for the following extension line:

;extension=php_mssql.dll

Remove the semi-colon, and make sure the dll file is in your extensions directory. Then restart your webserver.

(Assuming you are running a Windows based machine.)

This will enable you to run the mssql functions. I don't know if this will enable you to connect to a remote host from your server, but it will get you started with running mssql functions anyhow.

maxxd

Thank you! Appreciate it - gotta call our host and see what I can do now that I've got verification on the issue. I appreciate it much.

TheDefender

Yeah, just tell them you need mssql functions enabled, and they should know what to do from there.

maxxd

Now, got another (hopefully) easy one - does the server have to be running IIS for the mssql library to work? My server is currently running Unix, and it doesn't seem like it should be an issue - I'm not installing a mssql database on the server, simply trying to talk to it from my Unix based one...