Create an ODBC connection to GP

Overview:
When using an ODBC data source on more than one PC, the data source name has to be the identical same name, such as ôGPDataö or some other meaningful easy to remember name.
Create the same named ODBC connection on every PC that needs to use the Access database.

1. Create a New ODBC connection and click the Machine Data Source TAB.
2. Choose SQL Server as the data source. ItÆs near the bottom of the list.
Note: This name is what is chosen in the Access database when you link table later on in this example. Also this name is used on every PC (So make a note of it) If every PC in the building has the same name data source then any PC can open the Access database with out any modifications.

3. Choose the Server from the drop down box. Click the Next button

4. Choose the Login method as shown below. The default is NT Authentication.

Note: If you donÆt get the login information correct it will not let you go past this point.
Also Note: If you are connecting to SQL Server database on the Internet the Server name will be an IP address 209.168.34.78 Or the WEB host will give you the name of the Server such as clh.ij.net

5. Click the Next button at the bottom.

Once you get to this screen you have successfully logged in to the SQL server database. Its down hill from here.
Put a Check in the Change to default database to: box and click the drop down to find the Database name where your data resides.
This is important because if you choose the wrong database you will be forever trying to find the information needed in Access later.
For Great Plains Dynamics itÆs not the ôDynamicsö database. Instead choose the name of your company from this list. Look up and down the list.

6. Choose the Language or leave it default.
Click the Finish button.
7. Click the TEST data source button to make sure it works OK.

Note: This procedure is done on Every PC that needs to connect to the Access database.

See the Next FAQ for Access to connect to this ODBC.