This sample shows the problem when running a check on the database connection:
    Run Test
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This sample successfully reads and writes to the database, without first checking the connection:
    Run Test
    View page code

This sample checks the connection first, and displays the error when it occurs. However, it then goes on to read and write to the database successfully:
    Run Test
    View page code

Links with suggestions I have tried:

* threads I have begun

Given that no actual solutions have been provided, in my live site where this problem was encountered I have had to resolve the issue with a "bandaid". I added a second test on the actual error, if it is this situation, then I proceed with the application.