ACC2000: How to Use SQLConfigDataSource to Create an Access System DSN (231156)

SUMMARY

You cannot create a system DSN by using the RegisterDatabase method. To create a system DSN, use the ODBC API call for SQLConfigDataSource.

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MORE INFORMATION

The following example uses the API call for SQLConfigDataSource to create a system DSN. The example creates a data source for the sample database Northwind.mdb when the database is located at C:\Northwind.mdb.

Copy the sample database Northwind.mdb to the root directory of drive C.
Create a new Access database.

Create a module and type the following lines in the Declarations section:

Option Explicit
Const ODBC_ADD_SYS_DSN = 4       'Add data source
Const ODBC_CONFIG_SYS_DSN = 5    'Configure (edit) data source
Const ODBC_REMOVE_SYS_DSN = 6    'Remove data source

Private Declare Function SQLConfigDataSource Lib "ODBCCP32.DLL" (ByVal _
   hwndParent As Long, ByVal fRequest As Long, ByVal _
   lpszDriver As String, ByVal lpszAttributes As String) As Long

Type the following procedure:

Function Build_SystemDSN(DSN_NAME As String, Db_Path As String)

   Dim ret%, Driver$, Attributes$

   Driver = "Microsoft Access Driver (*.MDB)" & Chr(0)
   Attributes = "DSN=" & DSN_NAME & Chr(0)
   Attributes = Attributes & "Uid=Admin" & Chr(0) & "pwd=" & Chr(0)
   Attributes = Attributes & "DBQ=" & Db_Path & Chr(0)
   
   ret = SQLConfigDataSource(0, ODBC_ADD_SYS_DSN, Driver, Attributes)
   
   'ret is equal to 1 on success and 0 if there is an error
   If ret <> 1 Then
       MsgBox "DSN Creation Failed"
   End If

End Function

In the Immediate window, type the following line, and then press ENTER:
```
? Build_SystemDSN("My SampleDSN","c:\Northwind.mdb")
					
```
Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
In Control Panel, click ODBC Data Sources, ODBC Data Sources (32-bit), or 32bit ODBC.
Click the System DSN tab. Note that My SampleDSN has been added to the System Data Sources list.