Dental Manager Stops Responding on the "Connecting to Database" Step

Dental Manager requires a connection to the Microsoft SQL database to start successfully. If the connection cannot be established, Dental Manager may stop responding while displaying the message: 

“Dental Manager is not responding” 

It is possible to test the database connection by following the steps below.

Step 1: Open "Dental System Control Panel".

Step 2: Open "General".

Step 3: Select "Database Settings".

If the connection cannot be established, the following error message is displayed:

"Could not connect to the database. Invalid connection string attribute."

Possible Causes

This issue can occur for one or more of the following reasons:

• Incorrect database connection settings.
• The Microsoft SQL Server service is not running.
• The SQL database is missing.
• The database folder is inaccessible due to insufficient permissions.
• Firewall or antivirus software is blocking the database connection.

Resolution

Incorrect database connection settings

Step 1: Open "Dental System Control Panel".

Step 2: Open "General".

Step 3: Open "Database Settings".

Step 4: Verify that the following settings are correct:

• Current database server: [PC Name]\THREESHAPEDENTAL
• Database name: DentalManager
• User login: DentalManager
• Password: 3SDentalManager

Step 5: Verify that the correct computer name or IP address is entered for the database server.

Step 6: Click "Test Connection" and confirm that the connection succeeds.

Microsoft SQL Server service is not running

Step 1: Open the Windows "Services" application.

Step 2: Locate "SQL Server (THREESHAPEDENTAL)".

Step 3: Verify that the service is running.

Step 4: If necessary, restart the service.

Database is missing or inaccessible

Work with your IT administrator to verify the database installation.

Step 1: Open one of the following folders:

• C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.THREESHAPEDENTAL\MSSQL\DATA
• C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.THREESHAPEDENTAL\MSSQL\DATA

Step 2: Verify that "DentalManager.mdf" and the associated database files are present.

Step 3: Verify that the folder permissions allow Dental System to access the database files.

Using the IP address instead of the computer name

If the issue occurs on a client workstation, using the database server's IP address instead of its computer name may also resolve the connection problem.

Step 1: Open "Dental System Control Panel".

Step 2: Open "General".

Step 3: Open "Database Settings".

Step 4: Replace the computer name in the "Current database server" field with the database server's IP address.

Step 5: Test the connection again.

Firewall or antivirus is blocking the connection

Verify that firewall or antivirus software is not blocking communication with Microsoft SQL Server.

Ensure that the following ports are open:

• TCP/UDP 1433
• TCP/UDP 1434
• TCP/UDP 1066
• TCP/UDP 1666

Repair the Dental System installation

If the issue persists:

Step 1: Obtain the appropriate Dental System installer from your reseller.

Step 2: Run the installer over the existing Dental System installation.

Contact 3Shape Support if you have any further questions.
 
For full information on correct usage consult the official Safety and Setup Guide and the most current Manual.