JSI Tip 3820. How do I create a System Data Source Name (DSN)?

Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) uses a logical name to define the requirements to access data. This DSN is used by IIS to connect to an ODBC data source, such as a Microsoft Access or SQL Server database. The DSN entry in ODBC simplifies the information needed in the connection string and makes the data source transparent to the code.

To create a System DSN:

1. Open the ODBC application:

   Windows 2000 Server        - Administrative Tools / Data Sources (ODBC).
   Windows 2000 Professional  - Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Data Sources (ODBC).
   Windows NT 4.0             - Control Panel / 32-Bit ODBC.

2. Select the DSN tab.

3. Press Add.

4. Select the database driver that you are connecting and press OK.

5. Type a name for the data source, the DSN name.

6. Press Select.

7. Select the database and press OK.

8. Press OK and OK.

The JSI Catalog uses a System DSN to retrieve information from a Microsoft Access database.

NOTE: It is important to create a System DSN as ADO (ActiveX Data Objects) do NOT work with local DSNs.

NOTE: A System DSN is faster because it stores information in the registry as apposed to in a file.

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