>Cetin,
>
>I get the following error message when I use a Connection String as you had specified and I don't know what it really means even though I read Microsoft Knowledgebase articles on it.
>
>Failed to open the connection.
>
>Followed by this error message when I click OK.
>
>IM006:[Microsoft][ODBC Driver Manager]Driver's SQLSetConnectAttr failed[Database Vendor Code: 17]
>
>Followed by this error message when I click OK
>
>Failed to open the connection.
>Details: 01000:[Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][DBNETLIB]ConnectionOpen(Connect()). [Database Vendor Code: 17]
>
>Followed by this error message when I click OK
>
>Similar to above message but Details: 08001: [Microsoft][... ... ... Server does not exist or access denied... ...
>
>And I checked the Connection to the VPN and it is working fine and I am connected to the SQL Server from my remote location.
>
>I researched this error-problem using the Microsoft Knowledgebase, but after reviewing several different articles, I am not sure what my problem is, but I think it has to do with one of the following:
>
>• Microsoft ODBC Driver for Microsoft SQL Server 3.6
>• Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition
>• Microsoft Data Access Components 2.6
>
>I will keep researching and studying the problem.
>
>I tired the trusted connection and the User ID/Password method also. I'm with you, I prefer the trusted_connection method. But so far nothing is working.
>
>I don't think I need SQL Server on my machine if I use a Connection String? But do I need an SQL Driver on my machine or MDAC on my machine? Something seems to be missing somewhere and I don't know what and I don't know where.
>
>Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it. I'm sure I can get this thing working soon.

You don't need SQL server on your machine but you need the drivers. 3.6 sounds very old (not sure where you read it though). Current MDAC, AFAIK is 2.8 (check microsoft.com/data).
"Server does not exist or access denied" is giving the most info. Either it really doesn't exist or access denied. If you're using IP as servername also check on what port it's listening and set the correct port as part of the servername.
Cetin