If you choose to complete this test on a unix machine you will need to use the FreeTDS drivers. It is not recommended as you will need a way to create the ODBC data source anyway. In MSSQL create a new table with at least four columns: Username and password, one other ordinary field (e.g. firstname), and one custom user profile field Insert one row Open ODBC (Data Sources) Create a new data source pointing to that MSSQL server with the appropriate default database Install the mssql_odbc driver Create a moodle instance (your DB doesn't matter, choose whatever is easiest e.g. postgres) Enable external db auth Instead of the database host, write the name of your odbc data source Select mssql_odbc Type the name of your table (the database chosen will be the default database you chose in the ODBC program) Write the names of your username and password fields Write the names of your other two fields Try to log in with the username and password you inserted into the mssql table You should successfully log in and be taken to the edit profile screen Make sure all the fields are correctly pre-filled Repeat steps, but using MySQL instead of ODBC