Connect Access to MySql

I covered this a little while ago, but it was directed at vista and Access 2003. Now with Windows 7 it seems it has gotten much easier to use ODBC to connect microsoft access to your mysql databases. I needed to set up a connection for a new project I was doing today, so I figured I will break it down real quick for anyone needing to know how to set it up.

Step 1 – Set up your Database

If the database does not exist, well then obviously create one. Log into your hosts cPanel or whatever your host uses; Set the ‘host’ to ‘%’ (minus the quotes); Create the username and password. If the database already exists then go on to the next step.

* Write down the server number from your cPanel.

Step 2 – ODBC Setup

Grab and install the latest ODBC from this link: ODBC

ADD new connection: Control Panel > System > Admin Tools > data Sources > ADD > Select MySql ODBC 5.1 > Finish

A new window appears, fill out the following info found in the login tab:

• Data Source Name
• Server (Get the latest Server from your host cPanel, etc)
• User (Use the user name that you assigned to the database in section 1
• Password (The password that you assigned to the database in section 1
• Database (Select the correct database)

Step 3 – Microsoft Access ODBC Setup

Open Microsoft Access and navigate to the following:
External data -> get odbc > machine data source >
Select the data source that you created in step 2.
Select all tables.

That’s it. Microsoft Access should now show you a list of connections that are directly linked to the mysql database.