Microsoft Windows uses UDL (Universal Data Link) files to point to specific data sources. The UDL file lists the location of the data, the type of database, the version of the database, and the appropriate database driver.
To configure a data source automatically
- Drag and drop one of the following database types onto the Map Explorer tab of the Task Pane:
- Microsoft Access
- dBASE
- Microsoft Excel (must have at least one named range; do not use DATABASE or other reserved words as a range name)
- Paradox
- Microsoft Visual FoxPro
To configure a data source manually
- At the command prompt, enter mapconnectdb.
- Type a name for the data source and click OK. The data link file will have the same name.
- On the Provider tab of the Data Link Properties dialog box, select the database provider. If you are using the ODBC provider, select the name of the DSN.
- Enter additional information as needed and click OK. The Data Link Properties dialog box is a Microsoft Windows dialog box.
Additional information is available by clicking Help in the Data Link Properties dialog box.
To modify an existing data link file
- At the command prompt, enter mapconnectdb.
- Select the data source and click OK.
- Make the modifications and click OK. The Data Link Properties dialog box is a Microsoft Windows dialog box.