---
title: "Performing Distributed Transactions | Microsoft Docs"
ms.custom: ""
ms.date: "03/06/2017"
ms.prod: "sql-server-2014"
ms.reviewer: ""
ms.technology: native-client
ms.topic: "reference"
helpviewer_keywords: 
  - "MS DTC, performing distributed transactions"
  - "SQL Server Native Client ODBC driver, transactions"
  - "distributed transactions [ODBC]"
  - "transactions [ODBC]"
  - "ODBC, transactions"
ms.assetid: 2c17fba0-7a3c-453c-91b7-f801e7b39ccb
author: MightyPen
ms.author: genemi
manager: craigg
---
# Performing Distributed Transactions
  The Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator (MS DTC) allows applications to extend transactions across two or more instances of [!INCLUDE[ssNoVersion](../../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)]. It also allows applications to participate in transactions managed by transaction managers that comply with the Open Group DTP XA standard.  
  
 Normally, all transaction management commands are sent through the [!INCLUDE[ssNoVersion](../../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] Native Client ODBC driver to the server. The application starts a transaction by calling [SQLSetConnectAttr](../../native-client-odbc-api/sqlsetconnectattr.md) with the autocommit mode turned off. The application then performs the updates comprising the transaction and calls [SQLEndTran](../../native-client-odbc-api/sqlendtran.md) with either the SQL_COMMIT or SQL_ROLLBACK option.  
  
 When using MS DTC, however, MS DTC becomes the transaction manager and the application no longer uses **SQLEndTran**.  
  
 When enlisted in a distributed transaction, and then enlist in a second distributed transaction, the [!INCLUDE[ssNoVersion](../../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] Native Client ODBC Driver defects from the original distributed transaction and enlists in the new transaction. For more information, see [DTC Programmer's Reference](https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/ms686108\(VS.85\).aspx).  
  
## See Also  
 [Performing Transactions (ODBC)](../../../database-engine/dev-guide/performing-transactions-odbc.md)