Creating an ODBC Data Source with the Microsoft Text Driver

Question:

What are the steps to create an ODBC data source with the Microsoft Text Driver?


Answer:

1.) Go to Control Panel>ODBC Data Sources.


2.) Select the type of DSN you would like to create (User, System, File). Next, click 'Add.'


3.) Select
Microsoft Text Driverfrom the list and click on 'Finish'.


4.) The ODBC Text Setup window will now appear. In this window, enter the data source name and a description.


5.) Unmark the box for "Use Current Directory." Click on the Select Directory button and browse out to the directory where the source file(s) are stored.


6.) Click on the Options button. If the extension of the file is not present in the Extension List window, it can now be added. Note if the extension of the file is not .txt or .csv a 'Read Only' error may result.


7.) Click on 'Define Format.' The Define Text Format window will appear. This is where the options for the delimiter of the file and column headings option can be marked. If the file that has fixed column widths and is not comma or tab delimited, the column widths can be set here. Ifit is a tab or comma delimited file, the column widths do not need to be specified.


8.) Click 'OK' untilback on the Control Panel window. The DSN with the Microsoft Text Driver should now be setup. The connection can be tested with applications such as Microsoft Access or Query.




This article was TechKnowledge Document ID:18432