Database connection

Before DataPipe or TextPipe Pro can connect to your database, they require what is known as a database connection string. A database connection string defines what driver software (or provider) will provide access to the database, where the database is, any security access information and any other database-specific information. You must have the correct provider for the database you want to connect to. Usually this is available either as an ODBC driver, or as an OLE DB provider from your database vendor.

ODBC (older method)

ODBC is an older method of connecting to databases. If you don't have an OLE DB provider, you can still use your old ODBC driver.

• Setting up an ODBC driver
• ODBC formats
• ODBC driver vendors

OLE DB (newer method)

OLE DB is the newer method, so having an OLE DB provider will provide faster access.

• Setting up an OLE DB connection
• OLE DB driver vendors
• Microsoft's OLE DB Home Page

OLE DB Software pre-requisites

• MDAC version 2.1 or later. MDAC is automatically installed with software such as Windows 98 / 2000 and Internet Explorer version 5 or later.
• DCOM95. If you have Windows 95 you may get a warning indicating that you need DCOM95 in order to install MDAC, since there is no support for OLE DB in Windows 95. Once you install DCOM95, you can proceed and install MDAC.

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