ODBC and JDBC Guide

Chapter 4
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Using ODBC to share FileMaker data 23
5. Construct and execute an SQL query in the client application.
Each FileMaker database file that is open and set up for access is a separate data source (you create a
DSN for each FileMaker database file you want to access as a data source).
Each database can have one or more tables. FileMaker fields are represented as columns. The complete
field name, including any non-alphanumeric characters, displays as the column name.
Accessing a FileMaker database file from a Windows application
Specifying ODBC client driver properties for a FileMaker DSN (Windows)
Create a DSN for each FileMaker database file you want to access as a data source. The DSN identifies the
FileMaker ODBC client driver, the location of the FileMaker host application, and the FileMaker database
file you’re accessing as a data source.
To configure a new ODBC client driver, see “Configuring client drivers (Windows)” on page 16.
To change an existing ODBC client driver:
1. In the Windows Control Panel, open Administrative Tools > Data Sources (ODBC).
1 In Windows XP, Administrative Tools appear in the Performance and Maintenance category.
1 In Windows Vista and Windows 7, Administrative Tools appear in the System and Security category.
The ODBC Data Source Administrator opens.
2. Select the System DSN or User DSN tab (select the tab used when you previously configured).
3. Choose the FileMaker data source that you previously configured.
The data source name you originally entered appears under Name, and FileMaker ODBC appears as the Driver.
4. Click Configure.
The FileMaker DSN Configuration dialog box appears.
5. For Name, enter a name that will be meaningful to others accessing the FileMaker data source. For
Description, enter an optional description of the FileMaker data source. Click Next.
6. For Host, enter the location of your data source.
If you’re connecting to a FileMaker database file hosted by FileMaker Pro on your local machine, type
localhost (or 127.0.0.1).
If you’re connecting to a FileMaker database file hosted by FileMaker Server Advanced over a network,
type the IP address of FileMaker Server.
If you’ve enabled sharing via ODBC/JDBC in the host application, select Connect to host to obtain the
names of available databases.