How to Create a New DSN

In the world of computing, a Database Source Name (DSN) contains predefined information specific to a database that can then be used by an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver to later connect with that particular database. DSN stores information such as: user authentication, database name, location, fields, etc. Developers prefer using DSN because it offers less work and time in establishing a connection. Contrast that with DSN-less connection, which requires the developer to specify all necessary information prior to connecting to the database. Microsoft Windows offers users the ODBC administrator for creating DSNs on Windows. It can be accessed from the control panel.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Click "Start" and then "control panel."
- 2
  
  Double-click "administrative tools" and then "data Sources (ODBC)."
- 3
  
  Select the "System DSN" tab and then click "ADD."
- 4
  
  Select the database driver that corresponds with the database type you are trying to connect to.
- 5
  
  Type information regarding the database connection such as: data source name and description.
- 6
  
  Click "Select."
- 7
  
  Locate your database and then click "OK."
- 8
  
  Click "OK."