---
title: "Connect to MySQL"
slug: "connect-to-mysql"
updated: 2025-09-30T18:29:20Z
published: 2025-09-30T18:29:20Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.decisions.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect to MySQL

## Overview

Administrators have the option to enhance the open-source database offerings and broaden their data management capabilities by integrating their SQL-based Decisions environment with a [**MySQL**](https://www.mysql.com/products/)Database. MySQL is a separate, 3rd-party software, and users will need a license for it. This article only discusses how to connect Decisions with MySQL and not how to install or support MySQL. The following document demonstrates how to properly install MySQL****and integrate it with a pre-existing [Decisions Installation](https://documentation.decisions.com/v9/docs/installation-guide).

Upgrading to v9.0 and higher?In MySQL connector versions 8.0.32 and lower, there was a dependency on the Google.Protobuf.dll. However, starting from Decisions v8.15, it is included in the platform by default. Attempting to upgrade to v8.15 or higher while using older MySQL connector versions can result in a failed upgrade.  
  
To ensure a smooth upgrade to v8.15 or later, it is recommended to delete the Google.Protobuf.dll file from the `C:\Program Files\Decisions\Decisions Server\Instances\Control\CustomReferences` folder before initiating the upgrade process.

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## MySQL Install

1. [Install](https://dev.mysql.com/doc/mysql-installation-excerpt/5.7/en/) MySQL.
2. Via the [MySQL Product Archives](https://downloads.mysql.com/archives/c-net/), select a **Product Version****8.0.33** or later from the respective drop-down. Then, select**.NET & Mono** under Operating System, and Download the resulting ZIP Archive.  
![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2023-04-20_12h29_33.png)
3. Extract and open the downloaded .zip file (ex: "mysql-connector-net-8.0.33-noinstall"). Open folder **`net7.0`**. Copy **`MySql.Data.dll`**. Refer to the following table to copy the .dll file from the .Net version.  
  

| Decisions Version | Copy the .dll from |
| --- | --- |
| 9.0 + | net7.0 |

**![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1687855252442.png)**
4. Paste the .dll file at **`C:\Program Files\Decisions\Decisions Server\Instances\Control\CustomReferences\`**.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1675782311841.png)
5. [Restart](https://documentation.decisions.com/v9/docs/restart-decisions-application) the Decisions Server (or IIS App Pool).
6. Upon reconnection to the Studio, navigate to **System > Integrations > Databases**. Then, click CREATE CONNECTION.
7. In the Database Integration window, specify a **Connection Name** (ex: "MySQLtest") and set the**Database Type** to **MYSQL**. Then configure the MYSQL SERVER settings, or define a **Custom Connection String**.
8. Click **TEST**to confirm successful connectivity, then click **OK**.
9. Once the database has been integrated, search and view its contents via the [**Query Editor**](https://documentation.decisions.com/v9/docs/query-editor). ![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2024-07-02_13h10_08.png)

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For further information on Installation, visit the [Decisions Forum](https://community.decisions.com/categories/InstallationSetup).