Setting up a Linked Server

Linked Server is like an alias on your local SQL server that points to an external data source. This external data source can be Access, Oracle, Excel or almost any other data system that can be accessed by OLE or ODBC--including other MS SQL servers. With a linked server, you can create very clean, easy to follow, SQL statements that allow remote data to be retrieved, joined and combined with local data.

To set up a linked server, follow the steps as below:

1. Click Start, go to Programs, and then go to Microsoft SQL Server and click Enterprise Manager. Now expand Security under registered SQL Server i.e. PC54 (Windows NT)

2. Right click Linked Server and then click on New Linked Server.

3. Type name in Linked Server field and select SQL Server under Server type and then click OK. Finally click Yes.

Now you can see the Linked Server in details pane of Linked Server.