KB202482: Freeform SQL reports fail with an "Error parsing connect string at offset 51" error message in MicroStrategy 9.x and 10.x

SYMPTOM
When executing a freeform SQL report users encounter the following error:

Error: SQL Generation Complete

QueryEngine encountered error: Connect failed.

Error type: Odbc error. Odbc operation attempted: SQLDriverConnect. [HY000:2704: on SQLHANDLE] [Strategy][ODBC SQL Server Wire Protocol driver]Error parsing connect string at offset 51.  Connection String: DSN=TELEPIN_PROD;UID=mstr_rptrans_sql;..

Error in Process method of Component: QueryEngineServer, Project Operational Reporting Project, Job 339441, Error Code= -2147212544.

 
CAUSE
One potential cause for this issue is invalid characters (e.g., comma or curly bracket/brace) in the password used to connect to the database.
 
ACTION
Remove any invalid characters the database user's password.