MySQL and Access Tutorial

Use MySQL and Access together for reporting.

Microsoft Access is a desktop application that allows users to create database records. The MySQL and Access software can be joined together so that users can retrieve data from MySQL and use it in their Access reports. This is beneficial in offices where a manager needs to retrieve reporting data from a MySQL server and use it within the customized Access database. You can directly link Access to MySQL and use the two databases together to view data.

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Access. Click the "File" menu item at the top and select "Get External Data." Select "Link Tables" to start the linked tables wizard.

2. Select "ODBC Databases ()" from the list of data types. This activates another list of options. Choose "Machine Data Source" and click the "New" button.

3. Pick "MySQL ODBC 3.xx" from the list of data sources and click "Next." Enter the MySQL server name and database into the text boxes provided. These names are provided by your database administrator or website host. Click "OK" and then click "Finish" at the summary screen. The configuration wizard closes and the MySQL tables are downloaded and shown in your Access software.

4. Double-click one of the MySQL tables to verify the connection. This opens a view with a list of data in the MySQL table.

5. Click one of the fields in the table. Notice it is highlighted. You can change data and insert records, provided that you have the right permissions from your database administrator.

References

• University of Virginia: Connecting to a MySQL Database with MS-Access