Importing from OLE DB data sources

To import from an external data source, such as Oracle, Microsoft™ SQL Server, or Microsoft Access, iBase must connect to the data source, which it does through facilities in Microsoft Windows™.

Before you begin

Drivers for OLE DB data sources must be the same as your system architecture. For example, if your iBase User is 32-bit, you need to have 32-bit OLE DB drivers installed. If your iBase User is 64-bit, you need 64-bit OLE DB drivers. If your system and drivers are different, at some point as you work through the import specification, the import Wizard detects the mismatch and displays a warning message.

About this task

The most efficient way to import from a data source is to use one of these providers:

  • Microsoft Jet 4.0 OLE DB Provider (for Microsoft Access databases)

  • Microsoft OLE DB Provider for Oracle

  • Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server

You can use Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers, but this method is slower and less efficient, and is not described here.

You might need to ask your system administrator for information on the source database to set up a connection to it. For example, for SQL Server databases, you need to know:

  • The server name.

  • Whether Windows Integrated security is used or whether you must enter a username and password.

  • Which method to use to select the database.

Note: When you import from a Microsoft Access database that contains linked tables, check that the database that contains the physical tables that are being linked is also available.

Procedure

To import from a Microsoft Access database:

  1. In Step 1 of the import wizard, select OLE DB Compliant Data Source. Click Next.

  2. In the Connection area, click OLE DB Data Source.

  3. On the Provider page, select Microsoft Jet 4.0 OLE DB Provider.

  4. Enter the connection details for the Microsoft Access database:

    • Click the Connection tab to display the Connection page.

    • Enter the location of the Microsoft Access database and if required, the username and password for logging on to the Access database.

    • Click Test Connection.

    Note:

    If the database is an iBase Microsoft Access database, enter the iBase database password: display the All page, select Jet OLEDB:Database Password, click Edit Value, and enter the password. You can obtain the password from iBase Designer.

  5. Click OK. The OLE DB Data Source changes to bold to indicate a connection is added (although not that the connection is correct).

  6. From the Source list, select the Microsoft Access table.

  7. Click Next to continue in the usual way.