Is it o.k. to use aspnet_regsql in a web app created using Visual Studio 2022

Question

Is it o.k. to use aspnet_regsql in a web app created using Visual Studio 2022

DKB 21

I want to create a web app and I want to use aspnet_regsql which I have experience with from the earlier years. I just don't have the energy to put into learning the newer ways of creating membership and rolls unless someone can show me the it is much easier than the past, because when I look at what is available it seems also different and complicated. Perhaps it is just the lack of quality lessons.

Dbarselow

Accepted answer

1 additional answer

Your answer

Answer 1

Albert Kallal 5,586

As pointed out, the script still does exist.

However, if you create a new vb.net "webforms" project?

It can (and will) build up the data base for you. And that database MUCH follows the same format as the older asp.net "webforms" authenticaiton. Older templates did use what is called FBA (forms based authentication).

However, the newer "owin" system? You not notice the difference anyway.

I suggest (assuming vs2022 - the free community edition) that you try a working template. The database will be created for you, and you don't even have to run some script. (it is automatic created for you).

So, create a new project, vb.net, asp.net, .net framework.

This project choice:

User's image

And then to have the "logon" data base created for you, then after above, choose this option:

User's image

So, above will create a database, and the database follows VERY much and close to how the previous FBA (logon database) worked.

I would suggest you find some tutorials, even perhaps you-tube ones. Or get a book. So, if it has been some time, then the efforts and "dance" to get the FBA and that aspnet_regsql "sql script" creator is not really required.

With above template, then the database created is VERY close to that older setup. You get/see this for the database, and it is created automatic for you:

User's image

So, the old FBA system had users, roles, user in roles. It really is VERY close to what you had, but you don't have to go dig around and run that aspnet_regsql thing anyway.

Now to be fair, the "moving" parts in the older system, or above? It is about the same, and the less you worry about the above user logon database , the better. In other words, just let the system create the database of logons for you.

I think about the only "possible" reason to use the older FBA system is that if you have a existing database of users and want to use a "different" table then the default table created for users. However, that table of users and how this works as noted is rather close to the older system anyway.

I currently run one site with FBA logons, and without question the roles and users etc. was created using that aspnet_regsql to create the logon tables, but I can't see it much of a issue to adopt the new default setup, since out of the box is works and is automatic setup for you. So, pick the above "individual accounts", and the result is very much like the older system and "logon database" used.

My suggestion is in fact to get/grab/move that database created in the project into SQL server express (assuming you installed and setup that on your local PC for development and testing). This will require you change the connection strings in web.config, but after doing that, then the setup is even MORE like the older FBA system anyway.

Both systems (older FBA, or newer owin) do and did require quite a bit of setup, but the template will setup all of this for you out of the box without any efforts on your part.

DKB 21 Reputation points

2023-06-27T14:30:18.9566667+00:00

You recommended getting a book do you have any advice for which publisher to go fishing for. I hate fluff if you know what I mean I am a step by step with explanation. Oh I want to explain just a bit more. Far from the title of this post, I have 2 old asp.net MSDN templates is it possible to incorporate this Owin database in such old websites if I update the targeting framework.
DKB 21 Reputation points

2023-06-27T14:41:38.4966667+00:00

What if I already have a hosting provider, do I have to use Azure for hosting this project. I have a very rich plan with features I just can't find anywhere else for the $$
Albert Kallal 5,586 Reputation points

2023-06-27T14:58:22.5633333+00:00

Ok, to be honest, the logon system is a "big elephant" in the room. And to be really fair, when you first setup the site, you spend some time getting that logon system to work. And then after a few months, you will most likely "forget" and not care! As I noted, the efforts to learn/know/poke around with FBA (older logon system) or the newer system? It is a the "same" effort. So, just use the "individual" logons choice, and that's the end of "this" so to speak.

And the hosting provider? Well, keep in mind that a web site hosting provider is a just a computer. So, that "computer" has to have the correct frame work and systems installed by the hosting provider for the web site to work.

So, if your hosting provider (even very low cost ones at $8-$10 per month) HAS TO be the correct type.

Just like you can't run windows software on a android phone? Or you can't run iOS (Apple) software on a android phone?

Web hosting does not work ANY different.

So, if your web hosting is Linux based? Then you not going to be able to run your windows .net framework web site on that hosting provider. You need to choose a windows plan and hosting. And same goes for the database system. If your low cost hosting plan uses MySQL as the database, then using SQL server not going to work, is it?

So, just like a desktop computer needs say ms-access installed to run ms-access applications? The same can be said for a web hosting plan.

So, go-daddy, or dotster or whatever hosting provider? They in most cases offer both Linux plans (non windows), or they offer windows hosting.

So, the windows plan (asp.net, .net framework, and SQL server) is the one I choose, since that's the tools I am writing the software for. (it was about $2 more per month).

So, when choosing a hosting provider?

You look at the "development stack" of tools the web hosting supports, and THEN choose your development tools to match the web site.

Or, you do the reverse:

You pick some development tools, and THEN choose a hosting provider that supports those SAME tools and framework.

so, be this a simple desktop computer running some software? The web site hosting is not any different, and you can no more run FoxPro on a Mac computer or android phone, and you can't run windows developed software on some Linux hosting plan that supports and runs different software and tools compared to the developer tools you choose.

do I have to use Azure for hosting this project.

No, not at all. However, you do need a hosting plan that supports .net framwork, and also one that supports the same database system you are using. My "very low" cost hosting plan for example offers both MySQL and SQL server as a database option.

So, the only real requirement here is to enusre that you web hosting plan supports the systems and tools you are using to create such software. Remember, you going to install + run your software on that box in the sky. But, how that box runs and works is not any different then your desktop computer. So, that means that "box" has to support and run the same tools you used to create the software.
DKB 21 Reputation points

2023-06-27T15:21:49.4733333+00:00

If you were me what route would you take to implement this newer authentication in to a asp.net 2.0 website can it be done I just need to be shown which trail to follow. I've already created those steps and have a test project. Thats cool right! but I have two asp.net 2.0 websites one of which upgraded the targeted framework to 4.7 yes I made a copy of it before doing this. Let me ask is it any easier to add photo (binary data) retrieval from a database into a custom form view
DKB 21 Reputation points

2023-06-27T15:29:08.9333333+00:00

Thank you very much Albert for you putting in the time to explain, is it possible to swap the newer way into a older aspnet_regsql site? have you seen it done or perhaps yourself may have pulled it off.
Albert Kallal 5,586 Reputation points

2023-06-27T21:50:57.2633333+00:00

If you have the existing site (and source code to the project), then I don't think you have to do anything at all. In other words, if that project had FBA (the older logon system), then it should continue to work just fine. You will of course need the database that was driving that site, and I assume you also have that. It is "possible" that your database used for the site was "different" then the database used for logons (usually due to "lazy", then most often I find the database should have both your database tables, and also the tables for logons). It is possible you are suggesting that the site never did any kind of database operations?

I mean, I kind of have to assume you have a working database (or working copy).

In other words, it not clear how or why you needing to even create a new database when you have the existing code base and application to build?

In other words, if you have the database? Then setup + install SQL SERVER express on your dev box, and load in that database.

So, there should be no requirement(s) here to create or run some scripts.

And BIG bonus points is if you restore/use that database, then your current web site configuration WILL ALREADY be setup to use FBA and those existing tables. (in effect, you should not have to do anything at all).

However, since the site is RATHER old?

Then due to .net framework settings, you might have to consider using vs2019, and not vs2022. There are several reasons for this, but I suppose after 5 minutes of testing and time, you find out rather quick if you can't open that project in vs2022.

So, you can certainly use FBA, but I am somewhat confused, since if the existing project and code you have used FBA? Then you don't have to do anything at all, except ensure you have a working copy of the database that was driving that site in the first place. In other words, if that project you have was setup to run as FBA, then you should have ZERO problems and issues opening that project, even in vs2022.

As noted, I STRONG suggest you don't attempt to use a project in which you "attach" the mdb (and log) files to SQL server, but in fact restore (or attach)

So, I would at first see if you can open this project. (I might has missed if you using vs2022 or previous? - this matters).

And if you have the existing database file? I assume you need that, or did the site ONLY use the database for logons, and nothing else?

So, I would reach the ability to open that existing project. I would then get to the point where you can build that project. And that suggests you have to install those older .net frameworks. I suppose you could try and "do multiple steps" at the same time. But, your first step is to be able to open that existing older project.

And I would get/use a copy of the database that was being used for that site. Since MANY more tables then just the logon tables could have been used here - you need those tables and data.
Albert Kallal 5,586 Reputation points

2023-06-27T23:50:22.7333333+00:00
Hum, reading your question again? Ah, it looks like you don't already have some existing code and site - and are starting a new site. As noted, it probably don't matter.

However, if you have SQL server express setup (and I assume you do), then I would from SQL studio create a new database, then run that .net "create tables" (for FBA authenticaiton).

As that point?

Well, then assuming you created a new template without logons?

You should in web config be able add this to web config (connection strings element)

<add name="FBAConnectionString" connectionString="Data Source=10.50.100.116\SQLEXPRESS;Initial Catalog=AxisMIS;Persist Security Info=True;User ID=UserLogon;Password=Password;APP=WebPortal;WSID=WebPortal" providerName="System.Data.SqlClient"/>

And then in system.web, you add this:

<membership defaultProvider="MySqlprovider"> <providers> <clear/> <add name="MySqlProvider" type="ajaxsetuptest1.MySqlprovider" connectionStringName="FBAConnectionString" enablePasswordRetrieval="true" enablePasswordReset="true" minRequiredPasswordLength="3" writeExceptionsToEventLog="false"/> </providers> </membership> <roleManager enabled="true" defaultProvider="MyRoleProvider"> <providers> <clear/> <add connectionStringName="FBAConnectionString" name="MyRoleProvider" type="ajaxsetuptest1.MyRoleProvider"/> </providers> </roleManager>

So, other much then the above, that should work.

I bit of google, and there should be "lots" of examples on how to set this up.

This seems to be a good starting link:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/developer/webapps/aspnet/development/forms-based-authentication

And even this one:

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/1866229/forms-authentication-web-config-set-up

I not done much searching on this, but search for

setup asp.net webforms FBA authentication

And that search will get you more hits then you probably even want. However, the above search terms is what you looking for.
DKB 21 Reputation points

2023-06-28T00:00:13.35+00:00

Thank you for all of your input this is very kind of you, I will certainly let you know how I make-out in a coment

Answer 2

Lan Huang-MSFT 30,186 Microsoft External Staff

Hi @DKB,

aspnet_regsql is currently available. Aspnet_regsql.exe is installed in the Microsoft.NET Framework directory.

But the contents of aspnet_regsql and membership are no longer updated. The latest approach is ASP.NET Identity.

ASP.NET Identity Recommended Resources

The ASP.NET Identity system is designed to replace the previous ASP.NET Membership and Simple Membership systems. It includes profile support, OAuth integration, works with OWIN, and is included with the ASP.NET templates shipped with Visual Studio 2013.

User's image

Best regards,
Lan Huang

If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".
Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

DKB 21 Reputation points

2023-06-26T14:00:09.6366667+00:00

This I understand not being able to update. I do not find the identity option a non-code implementation. I am able to take the Aspnet_regsql.exe cmd from beginning to a database with a grid that supports crud without coding. I use to code in vb 6.0 earlier late 1990' into 2000's sustained severe head injury and the best I can do now concerning programing is editing and step by step instructions. I need good instructions on how to use this asp.net Identity. I am aware of the Microsoft.NT folder and some of the cmd's that it contains. If I could only find something that could bring me from beginning to end in creating a web app using Identity would be of great help. Thank you for your concern in this matter.

DBarselow

Share via

Is it o.k. to use aspnet_regsql in a web app created using Visual Studio 2022

1 additional answer

Your answer