When configuring a Microsoft SQL Server database with Windows authentication in ColdFusion, you might initially assume that it’s as simple as entering the DOMAIN\USERNAME in the username field and saving it. However, there are several additional steps required to successfully configure the Data Source Name (DSN) in the ColdFusion Administrator. This blog will show how to configure the MS SQL DB with Windows authentication in ColdFusion.

1. Ensure the Windows user has the necessary permissions on the database and ColdFusion folder.

2. Change the ColdFusion service to run under the Windows service account and restart the service.

3. Open the CF admin page and create a DSN – Select the MS SQL driver and add the DB  info without the user and password.

In the Advanced Settings section of the DSN configuration, you need to include the following connection string parameter:

AuthenticationMethod=ntlm;

This specifies that the NTLM authentication protocol will be used for Windows Authentication. After configuring the connection string, save the DSN and use the Verify button to check the connection. If everything is set up correctly, the verification should succeed. These steps enable you to connect to your Microsoft SQL Server database using Windows Authentication in ColdFusion.