# Database Connections

Database Connections are used to connect to a data source that is used in a Crystal Report or to build a dynamic pick list that is used for a report parameter.

In order to use Dynamic Pick Lists, you must define a database connection that will be used to retrieve the data displayed in the pick list.

It may be necessary to store database connection information for your reports. Ripplestone attempts to connect to the data source used for a report, if the connection is not successful the connection information is retrieved from database connections and the connection is tried again using the information stored in database connections.

If you are prompted for a user id and password when you run a report from the Crystal Reports designer, you will need to enter the connection information here.

For Crystal Report connections, the Server Name must match the data source name that is in Crystal. If you are unsure of the Server Name, turn on the trace log and the Server Name you need to use will be found in the log.