ODBC Linking - i think I'm missing a step...

[Elysynn]

Hello,
I'm not entirely sure I am posting in the right forum for this question, but I'm going to ask anyway! My question is two-fold: Is it possible to edit an existing ODBC link (mostly so I can see how it is built) And what has to exist in the database that I am trying to connect to for the link to work?

The clarification:
I am trying to build a link from my computer to a database on another server. (I am currently in WinNT using Access2002) I have the server name, and am trying to build the link using Sybase SQLAnywhere 5.0.
-I fill in the data source name as the name I want to call the data source.
-I have tried creating it with and without the UserID and Password, the server name is entered correctly.
-The database name I enter is the name of the database I am trying to connect to. I have tried this with and without the path, and with and without the file extension.
-The database file I enter as follows (w/o quotes) "\\ServerName\Database\DatabaseName.db"

I am unsure what to do with the Local, Network or Custom Settings.

ODBC and network connections are something that I am learning completely on the fly by trial and error... I'm really kinda stuck at this point. Any help you may be able to offer will be extremely appreciated.

Thanks!
Elysynn

 

[kmclane]

To use a Data Source Name, it needs to exist on the server first. If you have access to the server, create the DSN then try connecting to it. If you do not have access, try searching google for "DSN less connection". Hope this Helps, Ken.

- If you are flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit.
Mitch Hedburg

 

[cmmrfrds]

If you have a linked table you can see the properties, by opening the table in design mode. When the design mode shows the table, then right click on the blue bar on top and select properties.

 

[MoLaker]

Actually, the DSN needs to exist on the system that the calling application runs on. You seem to be attempting to run Access on your computer and connect to tables on a network server. So, with that assumption, you need to create a DSN first - outside of Access (although it can be done within).

In WinNT there is a DSN (datasource) wizard available from the Control Panel (I think that's where it is). Look for "Data Sources (ODBC)" or something like that. Use this to create a DSN on your computer to connect to the database on the server. Most commonly, you would create a System DSN. Then make your link(s) in Access by referring to this DSN. Here's a link to MSKB for creating a DSN.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;300595&Product=nts40

You can use code to create a DSN or DSN-less connection, but it's probably best you start with a System DSN created with the wizard - at least for now. But, if you insist, here's a link to help get you started. It's for connecting to SQLServer, but you can edit it to connect to an Access database.

http://www.mvps.org/access/tables/tbl0014.htm

While you are there, look at this, too.

http://www.mvps.org/access/tables/tbl0010.htm