Using MS Access Databases with MySQL

1. If you are using MS Access 2000, it may be necessary to patch your MS Jet 4.0 database engine before continuing. See the following, for more information.
   
   MS Product Support Services: Jet 4.0 Bug Explanation
   MS Product Support Services: Jet 4.0 Service Pack 5
   
   
2. Install the necessary MySQL ODBC driver on your PC:
   
   
   • Windows 95/98
   • Windows NT/2000
     
     
   Unzip the driver and then run the setup program for the driver.
   
   
3. Configure the MySQL driver for use.
   
   
   • Windows 2000
     Click "Start", point to "Settings", and then click "Control Panel". Double click "Administrative Tools" and then double click "Data Sources (ODBC)".
     
     
   • Windows 95/98/NT
     To do this go to your Control Panel (start -> setttings -> control panel) and double click on ODBC icon.
     
     
   Then select whether you want to configure the ODBC driver for use by a single user or for use by every user on the computer. The first tab, "User DSN" is for only a specific user and can only be used on your specific computer. The second tab, "System DSN" is used to configure the ODBC driver for all users on your computer. Depending on which you choose to use, you will then click the add button on the right side. By clicking the add button you will be given a choice of drivers you can set up for a data source. You should find MySQL in the list. Select MySQL and click finish.
   
   
4. The TDX mysql driver default configuration screen will then appear. You will want to fill out the fields with the appropriate information.
   
   
   1. Windows DNS Name
      Type a name for this particular driver that you will be using for MySQL. The name is something of your choosing. (example: everyoneMySQL)
      
      
   2. Server
      This is the name of the Virtual Server you will be publishing your database to. (example: myserver.net)
      
      
   3. MySQL Database Name
      This needs to be the name of the MySQL database you will be connecting to.
      
      
   4. User
      This needs to be the username for the MySQL database you will be connecting to.
      
      
   5. Password
      Simply the password, if applicable for the MySQL user in the field above.
      
      
   6. Port (if not 3306)
      If you are behind a Firewall you will need to open up port 3306 or another port you specify or it will not work correctly.

1. Install MySQL on your Virtual Server. Be aware that you will need to consult the MySQL documentation for information on using MySQL.
   
   
2. Add a user, with password privileges if you like, to your MySQL database. See section 6.14 Adding new user privileges to MySQL of the MySQL Reference Manual.
   
   
3. Open up MS Access and create or select the database you want to move to your Virtual Server in the Tables section. Once you have selected the appropriate table, select Save As/Export under File. This will allow you to select the "To an External File or Database" option. Click OK.
   
   
4. The Save Table screen will appear. You will want to select the field and then change the "Save as type" to ODBC Databases and click Export.
   
   
5. The Export screen appears. The "Export Addresses to:" should simply be the name you want to call this specific database table on the Virtual Server.
   
   
6. The "Select Data Source" screen should then appear. Select the "Machine Data Source" tab and then select the Data Source Name you should have set up previously.
   
   
7. The table should then be moved to the Virtual Server under the user you specified for MySQL. To verify this Telnet or SSH to your Virtual Server and find the table. An example of this would be the command:
   
   % mysql -u <user name> <mysql or other database instance>

1. While in the Tables tab right-click on the mouse button. This will provide you an option for "Import". In the Import screen select ODBC in the "Files of type" field.
   
   
2. This will provide you the "Select Data Source" screen. You will again select the "Machine Data Source" tab and choose the appropriate "Data Source Name" that you setup previously.
   
   
3. The "Import Objects" screen will appear and you will be given a choice of available tables on the Virtual Server that you can choose from. Select the table you want and click OK.
   
   
4. Now you have the appropriate table from the Virtual Server on your computer for use within MS Access.