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Why Do You Need the SQL Server Driver for PHP?

By default, PHP cannot connect to SQL Server. To enable this, you must install the drivers for PHP for SQL Server. These drivers, provided by Microsoft, allow PHP to use functions like sqlsrv_connect() to talk to SQL Server.

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Step-by-Step Guide for Enabling SQL Server Extension

1. Download the Microsoft Drivers for PHP for SQL Server

Go to Microsoft’s official page to download PHP SQL Server driver:
👉 Download Microsoft Drivers for PHP for SQL Server
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For PHP 7.0.0+ (including PHP 7.0.30), use Driver 4.0 or higher.
Example: SQLSRV43.EXE contains the required .dll files.

Which DLL to Choose?

TS (Thread Safe) → Use if PHP runs under IIS in ISAPI mode.
NTS (Non-Thread Safe) → Recommended if PHP runs under FastCGI (better performance).
x86 vs x64 → Match the architecture of your PHP installation (32-bit or 64-bit).

2. Copy DLL Files to the PHP Extension Directory

After extracting the download, copy the correct DLL files into your PHP ext directory. Example files include:

php_sqlsrv_7_nts_x86.dll
php_pdo_sqlsrv_7_nts_x86.dll

3. Edit php.ini to Enable the Extensions

Open your php.ini file and add these lines:

extension=php_sqlsrv_7_nts_x86.dll
extension=php_pdo_sqlsrv_7_nts_x86.dll

Restart your web server (Apache or IIS) after saving.
4-1-modify-php
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4. Install Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server

The PHP drivers require the ODBC driver to communicate with SQL Server. Install the correct version depending on your SQL Server:
Microsoft ODBC Driver 11 for SQL Server (SQL Server 2005)
Microsoft ODBC Driver 13 for SQL Server(SQL Server 2016)

5. Verify the SQLSRV Extension is Enabled

5.1 Check with phpinfo()

Create a file phpinfo.php in your web root:

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

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Visit http://your-server/phpinfo.php and search for sqlsrv and pdo_sqlsrv sections.
6.1-2-phpinfo.php
6.1-3-phpinfo-php
6.1-4-phpinfo-php

5.2 Test the SQL Server Connection

Create a file test.php in your web root:

<?php
$serverName = "127.0.0.1"; // or "server\instance"
$connectionInfo = [
    "Database"=>"your_database",
    "UID"=>"your_username",
    "PWD"=>"your_password"
];
$conn = sqlsrv_connect($serverName, $connectionInfo);

if ($conn) {
    echo "✅ Connection established.";
} else {
    echo "❌ Connection could not be established.<br />";
    die(print_r(sqlsrv_errors(), true));
}
?>

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Visit http://your-server/test.php. If it shows Connection established, the setup is complete.
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How to Enable SQL Server Extension in PHP 7.X