SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a powerful tool that allows us to manage SQL Server databases efficiently. However, many SQL Server professionals are not aware that the startup behavior of SSMS can be customized to suit their specific needs. In this article, we will explore how to customize the startup of SSMS using the sqlwb.exe executable file.

Understanding the sqlwb.exe Parameters

The sqlwb.exe executable file is responsible for launching SSMS. By passing parameter values along with the command to launch sqlwb, you can open default queries, projects, or connections, and even control whether to launch SSMS with the application’s splash screen. Here is a list of parameters available:

• [scriptfile] – Specifies a file or multiple files to open upon SSMS startup.
• [projectfile] – Specifies a SQL Server Management Studio Project file to open upon SSMS startup.
• [solutionfile] – Specifies a SQL Server Management Studio Solution file to open upon SSMS startup.
• [-S servername] – Specifies the SQL Server instance to connect to.
• [-d databasename] – Specifies the database to connect to.
• [-U username] – Specifies the username to use for authentication.
• [-P password] – Specifies the password to use for authentication.
• [-E] – Uses Windows security for authentication.
• [-nosplash] – Launches SSMS without the splash screen.
• [-?] – Displays help information about the available parameters.

Examples of Customizing SSMS Startup

Let’s take a look at some examples of how to customize the startup of SQL Server Management Studio:

Opening a Single Query File

To open a single query file upon SSMS startup, you can use the following command:

sqlwb "C:\Temp\Config1.sql"

This command will launch SSMS and prompt you for the connection information.

Opening Multiple Query Files

If you want to open multiple query files upon SSMS startup, you can list each file path separated by a space, like this:

sqlwb "C:\Temp\Config1.sql" "C:\Temp\Config2.sql"

Without specifying the connection information in the command, you will be prompted for the SQL instance and security information upon launch of SSMS. Each query file will connect to the specified instance using the specified login.

Opening a SQL Server Management Studio Project

A SQL Server Management Studio Project is a collection of various connections, queries, and other objects organized for a common purpose. To open a project upon SSMS startup, you can use the following command:

sqlwb "C:\Config\Config.ssmssproj" -S sauron -d Northwind -E

This command will open the specified project file and connect to the Sauron.Northwind database using Integrated (Windows) security.

Opening a SQL Server Management Studio Solution

A SQL Server Management Studio Solution is a collection of multiple projects. To open a solution upon SSMS startup, you can use the following command:

sqlwb "C:\Temp\SSMS Projects\Configuration\Configuration.ssmssln" -S sauron -d Northwind -U Foo -P pwFoo

This command will open the specified solution file and connect to the sauron instance of SQL Server using the Foo login and password.

Additional Options

There are some additional options available for customizing the startup of SSMS:

• -nosplash – Launches SSMS without the splash screen.
• -? – Displays help information about the available parameters.

By using these parameters, you can have more control over the startup behavior of SQL Server Management Studio.

Conclusion

SQL Server Management Studio provides a wide range of customization options to enhance your productivity. By utilizing the sqlwb.exe executable file and its parameters, you can tailor the startup behavior of SSMS to suit your specific needs. Whether you want to open specific query files, projects, or solutions, or control the splash screen display, the options are available to you. Take advantage of these customization options to streamline your workflow and make the most out of SQL Server Management Studio.