HOW TO: Change from File DSN to System DSN in FrontPage 2000

This article describes how to change from a File Data Source Name (DSN) to a System DSN in an entire Microsoft FrontPage 2000 web with multiple database results pages. There are two different methods, one for Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, or Microsoft Windows NT, and one for Microsoft Windows 2000. To display information from, or input information to, a database, FrontPage 2000 uses a database connection. The database connection specifies the name, location, and type of database that you want to gain access to, along with any other parameters that it may require. The database connection can use either a File DSN or a System DSN.

This article shows you how to create a System DSN in two ways -- one for Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT, and one for Windows 2000, and then how to change from using a File DSN to a System DSN.

Create the System DSN in Window 95/98 or Windows NT

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click ODBC Data Sources (32-bit).
3. In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box, click the System DSN tab.
4. Click Add.
5. Select the driver for the database that you want to use, and then click FINISH.
6. In the Data Source Name box, type a name for the connection.
7. Click the Select button and browse to select the database that you want. Click OK twice.

Create the System DSN in Windows 2000

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Administrative Tools.
3. Double-click Data Sources (ODBC).
4. Click the System DSN tab.
5. Click Add.
6. Select the driver for the database that you want to use, and then click FINISH.
7. In the Name box, type a name for the connection.
8. Click the Select button, browse to select the database, and then click OK twice.

Changing from File DSN to System DSN in a FrontPage 2000 Web

1. Start FrontPage 2000 and open the web that you want to update with the new System DSN.
2. On the Tools menu, click Web Settings, and then click the Database tab.
3. Select the existing database connection and click Remove.
4. Click the Add button.
5. Select System data source on Web server to specify a System DSN.
6. Click Browse.
7. In the System Data Sources on Web Server dialog box, select the new DSN, and then click OK.
8. Click OK.
9. Select the new DSN and click Verify. (You should notice a green check mark replacing the question mark in the Status column.)
10. Click Apply to update the global.asa.
11. Click OK.

For more information about database connections, click Microsoft FrontPage Help on the Help menu, type database connection in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics returned.