Bulk updating OLE DB data sources in import specifications

When you import from OLE DB data sources, iBase must connect to the data source using providers. Data sources might become invalid and cannot be used in import specifications, however you can fix your connection definitions in a single operation.

About this task

When an import specification contains invalid OLE DB connections, you are unable to import data. Sometimes OLE DB providers are not valid because they are unavailable on your computer or you might have switched to using 64-bit iBase. Similarly, the OLE DB data source location could be a physical file that is not found on your computer, or an invalid link to an SQL server. This can be particularly problematic if you use multiple specifications because the issue cannot be corrected from within the import wizard. You should use the OLE DB Import Specification Updater function to update your connections.

Procedure

The updater feature is available from both iBase User and iBase Designer. You need to login, however you do not need to have a database open to use the wizard. You must have create and edit permissions for import specifications.

  1. From iBase User, select Tools > OLE DB Import Specification Updater. From iBase Designer, select Tools > Database Administration > OLE DB Import Specification Updater. The updater wizard opens.

  2. Click the checkboxes to choose locations to load data sources from. Possible locations are:

    • Current database

    • Templates from your own templates folder

    • Templates from the Shared Workgroup folder

    Note: System administrators can select Database and Workgroup Templates. Other users with create and edit permissions should select personal templates folder.

  3. When you have selected at least one suitable location, click Next. The wizard displays the OLE DB Connection String Property selection window.

  4. Select a value for Provider, that is the OLE DB driver. The option to only include Providers not installed on your computer is selected by default. Alternatively, select a value for Data Source, that is the file path or server name that you want to connect to, and click Next.

  5. The wizard displays available providers, or data sources, depending on your previous selection. Click the provider or data source that you want to update. A list of import specifications that include that value, is displayed.

  6. Click the individual checkboxes for any import specifications that you want to update, or use the bottom checkbox to select all. Click Next.

  7. Specify the replacement value for the OLE DB Connection String Property. If you selected Provider, a list of the installed OLE DB Providers is displayed. If you selected Data Source, a text field is provided for you to enter the location of the replacement data source.

  8. Select the import specifications to update. You can test the specifications to determine if they will connect successfully. Click either Test Selected Import Specifications or Test All Import Specifications. Use the Stop button should you want to end the test process before completion.

  9. Make any necessary changes based on the test results, and click Update to move to the Update Summary page.

  10. The updater replaces the property values in your selected import specifications. The status of the update is displayed next to each specification. When complete, iBase informs you how many specifications were successfully updated.

What to do next

If your work with the updater process is complete, click Close to exit the wizard. If you want to continue working with your current selections, or start new selections, click Start Over to return to the first page of the wizard. Your completed updates are saved, you will not undo any progress so far by choosing to return to the start.