--- title: "Create and Connect to a Shared Connection" slug: "create-and-connect-to-a-shared-connection" updated: 2026-02-23T08:32:27Z published: 2026-02-23T08:32:27Z --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.lakesidesoftware.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Create and Connect to a Shared Connection By default the Query block accesses the SysTrack database. However, you can connect to a different SQL Server database by supplying connection information and then share the connection for use by other users. Create a new shared connection to an external SQL database. 1. Select the relevant Query block in your dashboard. 2. In the **Properties** pane, open the **Connection** String section. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/87d11426-6b1f-4b19-b593-b71e55a81af3/Images/Documentation/connection_non-SysTrackDB.png) 3. With the **Database** tab selected (this is the default), enter a **Name** (required), and a **Description** (optional) for the connection. 4. In the **Server** field enter the name of the server on which the database is housed. 5. Enter the **Database** name. 6. In the **User** field, enter the user with access to this database. 7. Enter a **Password**for the user. 8. Optionally, enter any **Extended Properties**. 9. If you are using Windows credentials instead of a SQL account for this connection, select the **Integrated** check box, otherwise leave this box unchecked. 10. Click the **Share connection** button. 11. Click the **Apply** button to save your changes. The shared connection will now be available from the drop-down list on the **Shared** tab. ## Connect to a Shared Connection 1. Select the **Shared** tab. 2. Select a connection from the **Shared connection** drop-down list. 3. Click the **Apply** button to save your changes.