# Databases on Windows hosting: SQL Server and MariaDB

> Create SQL Server and MariaDB databases on HyperDC Windows hosting, copy the connection string, run queries in the SQL console and export SQL Server data.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Your Windows hosting plan includes **Microsoft SQL Server** and **MariaDB** databases. You create and work with them in the **Databases** tab of your service page.

## Step 1: Create a database

1. Open **Databases** and select **New Database**.
2. Choose the **Engine**: **SQL Server**, or **MySQL** for MariaDB.
3. Enter a **Database name** using letters, digits and underscores. The login gets the same name.
4. Enter a **Password** and select **Create Database**.

> **Warning**
>
> Keep the password somewhere safe: it is never shown again.

**Verify:** the database appears in the list with its login and size.

## Step 2: Connect your application

Open the database's menu and select **Connection String**. It shows the **Host**, **Database**, **Login** and the full **Connection string**, each with a copy button. Copy the string into your application and replace `YOUR_PASSWORD` with your password. For an ASP.NET site, see [deploy an ASP.NET site](/guides/deploy-aspnet-windows-hosting).

## Step 3: Run a query in the SQL console

1. Select **SQL Console** next to the database.
2. Enter the **Database password**.
3. Select a table's name to fill in a sample query, or write your own under **SQL**.
4. Select **Run Query**. The result appears below it.

A query that changes or deletes data asks you to confirm first, because it cannot be undone.

## Step 4: Open Database Manager

For web-based database management, select **Database Manager** next to the database, or use the link under **Connection details** on **Overview**. Sign in with the database's own login and password, not your client area login. You see the objects of your own database; other customers' databases stay out of sight.

Database Manager does not export `.bak` files. For those, use **Export** in the next step.

## Step 5: Export and import a SQL Server database

**Export:** in the database's menu, select **Export**. When the export is ready, a message offers **Download**. The file is a `.bak`, and it stays in the `private/db-exports` folder in **File Manager**.

**Import:** in the database's menu, select **Import**, choose the file under **Earlier exports** and select **Import And Replace**.

> **Warning**
>
> An import replaces data in the database with the state in the file. Export first if you may need the current data.

## Troubleshooting

**Login failed.** The password in your connection string is not the one you set when you created the database, or `YOUR_PASSWORD` is still in the string.

**The application reports a certificate error.** Use the connection string the panel shows; see [ASP.NET and IIS errors](/guides/aspnet-iis-errors).

## Next steps

- Copies of everything: [back up and restore on Windows hosting](/guides/windows-hosting-backup-restore).

## Frequently asked questions

### How many databases can I create?

Your plan sets the number. The New Database form shows how many SQL Server and MySQL databases your plan allows, and Overview shows how many you have.

### Why does the list say MySQL when my plan says MariaDB?

The server runs MariaDB, which works with MySQL connectors and tools. The Engine list calls it MySQL.

### Can I see the password again?

No. The password is shown only while you type it, so keep it somewhere safe. On a MariaDB database, Change Password in its menu sets a new one, and websites that use it then need the new one. For a SQL Server database, ask us in a ticket.

### Can I import a .bak file from another server?

The import steps here use exports made on your service. To move an existing database to us, open a ticket and we help you with it.

### Do databases use my disk space?

Yes. Overview shows how much of your disk space your databases use.

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Source: <https://hyperdc.com/guides/products/windows-hosting-databases>\
Updated: 2026-11-02