Managing MSSQL Databases in Plesk Print

Overview

Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) databases are available on your Windows hosting account. This guide covers creating, managing, and connecting to databases through Plesk.

Creating a Database

1. Log in to Plesk
2. Go to Websites & Domains
3. Click Databases
4. Click Add Database
5. Enter a Database name
6. Select Microsoft SQL Server as the type
7. Under "Create a database user", enter:
   • Database user name
   • Password (use a strong password)
8. Click OK

Managing Database Users

Add User to Existing Database:

1. Go to Databases
2. Click User Accounts
3. Click Add Database User
4. Select the database and enter credentials
5. Click OK

Change User Password:

1. Go to Databases → User Accounts
2. Click on the username
3. Enter new password
4. Click OK

Connection String

Use this format to connect from your application:

Server=localhost;Database=YOUR_DATABASE_NAME;User Id=YOUR_USERNAME;Password=YOUR_PASSWORD;TrustServerCertificate=True;

Example in appsettings.json:

{
  "ConnectionStrings": {
    "DefaultConnection": "Server=localhost;Database=mydb;User Id=myuser;Password=mypassword;TrustServerCertificate=True;"
  }
}

Accessing phpMyAdmin-like Tool

Plesk does not include SQL Server Management Studio, but you can:

1. Go to Databases
2. Click on your database name
3. Use Import to run SQL files
4. Use Export to backup

Importing Data

Import SQL File:

1. Go to Databases
2. Click on your database
3. Click Import
4. Upload your .sql file
5. Click OK

Import from Backup:

Contact support for restoring from .bak files as this requires server-level access.

Exporting/Backing Up

Export Database:

1. Go to Databases
2. Click on your database
3. Click Export
4. Download the SQL dump file

Tip: Regularly export your database for backup purposes.

Database Size Limits

• Check your hosting plan for database size limits
• Monitor database size in Plesk → Databases
• Contact support if you need increased limits

Troubleshooting Connections

"Login failed for user"

• Verify username is correct
• Check password (case-sensitive)
• Ensure user is assigned to the database

"Cannot open database"

• Verify database name is spelled correctly
• Check database exists in Plesk

"A network-related or instance-specific error"

• Use localhost or . as server name
• Do not use your domain name for database server

SSL/Certificate Errors

• Add TrustServerCertificate=True; to connection string

Best Practices

• Regular backups: Export your database weekly at minimum
• Strong passwords: Use complex passwords for database users
• Separate users: Create different users for different applications
• Minimal permissions: Only grant necessary permissions