How to Set Up an ODBC Connection to a Remote Machine

By Lysis

An ODBC connection can be created on a Windows XP machine using a method called a DSN. A data source name (DSN) saves the ODBC setting on the computer, so you don't need to continually reset the configurations. This is beneficial for programmers and administrators who need the computer to consistently connect to the same connection for a particular application. The settings for an ODBC connection is accomplished from the Windows control panel.

Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Control Panel." This opens a window with a list of configuration options. Double-click the "Administrative Tools" icon to open a list of admin tasks.

Double-click the "Data Sources(ODBC)" icon. This opens a new window where you configure a new ODBC connection on the computer.

Click the "System" tab. This displays a window with a list of configurations for a system ODBC connection. In this window, click the "Add" button.

Select the database driver you wish to add. For instance, if the ODBC connection is being used for Microsoft Access, choose this option and click the "Finish" button.

Enter a friendly name for the ODBC connection that will display in your list of connections. Click the "OK" button to finalize the settings.

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