Common DB2 Connection Issues. (4246523)

How to troubleshoot connection errors when connecting to a supported DB2 database.

Some connection issues that may come up...

Issue #1:
On launch of Toad for DB2, the error "Toad did not find a default DB2 client" is given. Toad will continue to open after clicking OK to this message, but there may be further issues connecting to the database. 

Issue #2:
Get "SQL1598N An attempt to connect to the database server failed because of a licensing problem. SQLSTATE=42968" while connecting.  This error also occurs when trying to connect to the database through the full client with Command Line Prompt (CLP) outside of Toad.

Resolution for Issue #1:

No IBM DB2 Client is included with Toad for DB2 version 6.0 and higher (Toad Data Point 3.6 and higher). Previous versions of Toad will still include the client but the clients used in previous installs cannot be used with the newer Toad versions. 

Please refer to current Release Notes under "System Requirements" for more specific information about IBM DB2 Client requirements.

Toad can be installed even if a full DB2 client is not on the system. But on first launch of Toad the following message will be prompted:

ERROR:

"Toad did not find a supported default DB2 client and cannot continue. Please shut down Toad, install a default DB2 client or select a previously installed client as default."

When this occurs, either a full DB2 client is not detected (old ToadC or TACOM DB2 clients are not recognized in Toad) or it is not set as default. Toad for IBM DB2 needs a full DB2 Client 9.7.6 to 10.5.x.

If multiple IBM DB2 Clients are installed on the PC, set one as 'Default' by going to the Windows Start Menu | All Programs | choose the IBM DB2 client you want to set as 'Default' (again do not use clients that came from old Toad versions) | and then use the "Default DB2 and Database Client Interface Selection wizard" to set that particular IBM DB2 Client as Default.

Also, set the default DB2 in the Toad Options screen via Tools menu | Options | Database | DB2 | General | "DB2 Client (...)" drop-down list.

If IBM DB2 Client software needs to be downloaded, go to the 'IBM DB2 Version 11.X clients and drivers' download site (July 2014, confirmed by Development).  This is the DB2 Client software that we know IBM gives out for free.  Choose the “IBM Data Server Client” (the 5th one down), with a description of “This is the all in one client package and includes all the client tools and libraries available. It includes add-ins for Visual Studio.” 

Note: It is recommended that you use your company's own (and possibly licensed) IBM DB2 Client software, if your company already has one.

Resolution for Issue #2:

This is not a Toad specific error.  It is due to the DB2 license, not Toad, not being recognized.  It may also occur for the client if trying to connect to the database through command line processor (CLP) through the same client.