How to Create an ODBC DSN

A DSN (data source name) is a simple way to externalize the information required for an application to connect to a data source. For SQL Server, that means we need to provide the name (or IP address) of the server and credentials, and usually we'll specify the target or default database. Now we have our application pull the connection from the DSN at run time, giving us an easy way to change the name of the server or database or the credentials at any time without rebuilding the application.

Andy Warren is a software trainer focusing on SQL Server, a member of the PASS Board of Directors, and a principal in this site - SQLShare.com.

Lou Gallo on 2/9/2011

Good idea, I know this utility but not well. I'd like to have heard more depth.

Walter Vaughan on 2/9/2011

Would like to see one talk about pro's and con's of distributing/changing DSN information (file/user/system)

Vin on 2/9/2011

Screen display very poor!

Joe DeMarco on 2/9/2011

In the .net environment, not used much.

Smitha S on 2/9/2011

How do you create a udl?

Edward on 2/9/2011

Clear and concise.

Maurice Ivory on 2/9/2011

This was excellent, I very much so enjoyed learning about this.

Robert Djabarov on 2/10/2011

Smitha, - create a new file, change the extension to .UDL, double-click on it.

Diana Dee on 2/14/2011

I would have mentioned that "DSN" stands for "data source name". I also might have mentioned that a System DSN may be pushed out to a computer via Group Policy. (This is used to "fail over" to a standby computer; the users are simply asked to reboot their computers.)

Tom McMaster on 1/28/2012

Very well explained. Very useful video. Thumbs up.