If I understand you correct, you don't want to convert your database, but want NodeBB to work with users, that still will be in your existing database (MS-SQL).
It's possible, by creating your own database driver for NodeBB.
But, actually, it's not so easy. If you don't have high skill in programming, it's near to impossible.
@livefromheaven said:
has anyone run NodeBB using a custom SQL user database like this?
Maybe, but I never heard about it. You could try to wait for the NodeBB core developers. They, probably, know something, that may helps you.
You could probably use the registration email plugin and rather than deny entry, place them into a group.
A proper plugin dev may have a better idea of what to use.
