---
url: /flow/guide/getting-started/configuration-databases/system-connections.md
---

# System Connections

A System Connection is the pointer to a Configuration Database. It contains the necessary information for Flow to connect to a configuration database. You need one System Connection for each configuration database you are working with.

The following properties are configured when setting up a System Connection.

| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Friendly Name | This is the name by which the connection is known as. It is the name display in the `Connect To` drop down box on the Flow login window. |
| Computer Name | This is the name of the SQL Server instance that hosts the configuration database. For the default Flow SQL Server instance enter `<computername>\Flow`. For SQL Compact leave this blank. |
| Database Name | This is the name of the database under the above SQL Server instance. You can see a list of these databases using Microsoft SQL Management Console. |
| Username | This is the SQL Server username that you will use to connect to the database. Leave this blank if using Windows Authentication. For more information refer to [Using SQL Server Authentication](/flow/guide/getting-started/configuration-databases/using-sql-server-authentication) and/or [Using Windows Authentication](/flow/guide/getting-started/configuration-databases/using-windows-authentication) |
| Password | Enter the password for the above user. Leave this blank if using Windows Authentication. |

::: tip
System Connections are stored in the *Connections.ini* file. No matter which computer you run the Flow console from it will still contain the same list of System Connections in the login window
:::

System Connections are configured from the Flow login window.

::: details Opening the System Connections Editor
In the Login window select `<Setup Connections...>` from the `Connect To` drop down to access the System Connection editor.

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

The System Connections editor allows you to create new pointers to configuration databases. You will need to create the new configuration database using a tool like Microsoft SQL Management Console.

![](/flow/images/sysconeditor.jpg)
:::

::: details Creating New System Connections

1. Open the System Connections editor
2. Click the `New` button and a new connection appears in the list on the left hand side
3. Enter a `Friendly Name` and then reselect it to display the details of the connection
4. Fill in the `Computer Name`, `Database Name`, `User Name`, and `Password` with the appropriate details
5. Click the `Test` button to ensure it works, then click `Save`
6. When you return to the Login window you will see your new connection
   :::

::: details Editing an existing System Connection

1. Open the System Connections editor
2. Select the connection you wish to edit from the list on the left hand side
3. Modify the details with appropriate settings
4. Click the `Test` button to ensure it works, then click `Save`
   :::

::: details Deleting an existing System Connection

1. Open the System Connections editor
2. Select the connection you wish to delete from the list on the left hand side
3. Click the `Delete` button
   :::