>Then - how can I explain this - over the internet I can try to do SQLSTRINGCONNECT from VFP to a SQL Server set up for SQL authentication. I can NOT get in - yet if I first "log into the domain" by mapping a drive in explorer - I can then get into the SQL Server?

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Hmmm, I do the same thing and the SQLSTRINGCONNECT will let me connect correctly the first time... Have you checked what AERRORS() returns? Also, the SQL account you are trying to connect with hasn't been defined as an NT account, right?

Other than that, I don't see; maybe you could post your connection string (modified as to hide your server, uid and password of course). Maybe someone can spot something wrong in it...