---
url: >-
  /flow/guide/getting-started/configuration-databases/creating-a-new-configuration-database.md
---

# Creating a new configuration database

You can have as many different configuration databases as you require. It is common to have both a test and production database.

To create a new configuration database you must first create a blank SQL Server database.

1. Start Microsoft SQL Management Console (Refer [Installing Microsoft SQL Management Console](/flow/guide/getting-started/installing-flow/installing-microsoft-sql-management-console))

2. Enter the details to login to the SQL server instance hosting your configuration databases. Click `Connect`

   ![](/flow/images/sqllogin.jpg)

3. Right click the `Databases` folder in the left hand tree menu and select `New Database`

4. Enter the `Database Name` and click `OK` (NB: do not click the `Add` button - this adds a data file which is not necessary)

   ![](/flow/images/createdb2.jpg)

5. Your new database appears in the main window. Remember the name you entered in step 4 as this is needed when configuring the System Connection.