Initially, you should check each of the items outlined below.
Forget SQL, and determine whether the client and server are communicating. For TCP/IP, check whether you can ping the server from the workstation and vice versa. If host names don't work, try raw IP addresses.
Check that the SQL networking software is "talking" correctly to the network software. Many SQL vendors supply a ping utility which will show whether the SQL network is set up correctly.
If the SQL network is okay, try some interactive SQL. Most vendors supply a simple utility that allows you to enter SQL from the keyboard and view the results. Most vendors also supply a sample database that is useful for this purpose.
Verify that the standalone precompiler works. There may be an icon or a command line for the precompiler. Verify that it can produce COBOL code correctly. It is normal for some sample applications to be supplied with the precompiler.
Check that a preprocessed application runs okay. Pass the expanded program through the COBOL Compiler and then try to run it.
Try COBSQL with minimal directives. Place the SQLCA copybook into the directory with the sample program (prior to running the precompiler), and see if this works.
If you continue to have problems, please contact Micro Focus Support. To help Technical Support locate the cause of the problem: