Upsizing a Security File to SQL Server

In order to convert a Microsoft Access security file to SQL Server format, you need to upsize it. Upsizing creates an SQL Server database leaving the .ids file in the database folder as a connection file for the SQL Server database.

About this task

The SQL Server database will be added to SQL Server Enterprise Manager as <file>_ Sec, where <file> is derived from the name of the .ids file.

Once you have upsized the security file, you can rename the security connection file if required, and review its database properties: select File Security > File Properties.

You need to log on as a security administrator or as a system administrator to perform the following steps.

Note: Before starting the conversion, you need to discuss the server to use and the security mode with your SQL Server administrator.

Procedure

To convert the security file:

  1. Log on using the Microsoft Access security file.

  2. Click Cancel when you are prompted to open or create a database.

  3. Select Tools > Database Setup > Upsize > Security File to SQL Server. The Upsize Security File dialog is displayed.

    Note: A backup of the Microsoft Access security file is made automatically, and you are informed when this is completed. The backup file has the file extension . ids.bak (or .ids.bak1 if there is an existing BAK file in the folder).

  4. Enter the name of the SQL Server instance.

    Note: Only select the (local) option from the Server list if the database is for personal use.

  5. Select the security mode. This will be Windows Authentication unless your SQL Server administrator directs otherwise.

  6. If you are using iBase Database Replication, you must enter a site identifier in the Identifier box that is unique to the sites in your replicated iBase system. The identifier for the security file and its database will generally be the same.

    Note: Database identifiers are optional if you are not using iBase database replication.

  7. Click OK to validate the settings and perform the upsize, and then click OK when it completes. The path of the security connection file will be displayed in the status area with (SSE) after the file name to indicate that it is SQL Server format.

  8. Copy the backup of the Microsoft Access security file to a safe location. It is particularly important to keep this file if you are using i2 iBase Database Replication.

What to do next

When you have created the security file, you must protect it by making it read-only or by setting appropriate security permissions.