import SQL Server DB tables into Access 2010

Question

Problem Description: I am using the 'import ODBC database' wizard in Access to try to import data from a sql server database named ctfdata.mdf.

1. in the wizard, I do not know what to type in the 'Create a new datasource to SQL Server' input box labelled 'server'
2. The path to the .mdf file is c:\Program files\Microsoft SQL server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\data\
3. if I just type in the filename, even with its full path, I get a message saying 'error 53' and 'error 17'
4. the only successful import is when I use the 'Server Name' PC\SQLEXPRESS; but that only offers me unwanted .mdf files (system files used by SQL Server).

Answer 1

You cannot directly import, or work with, .mdf files from Access.  They need to be attached to an existing AND RUNNING instance of SQL Server and then you can link to that SQL Server (create a DSN for connecting) and do the import.

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Bob Larson Former Access MVP (2008-2010)

Answer 2

You cannot directly import, or work with, .mdf files from Access.  They need to be attached to an existing AND RUNNING instance of SQL Server and then you can link to that SQL Server (create a DSN for connecting) and do the import.

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Bob Larson Former Access MVP (2008-2010)

Okay, well, so how do we do that? Fortunately someone posted something three years later.

Answer 3

Hi there.

Oh yes you can!!!

Here is what worked for me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYsujwWgmJU

HTH

Guy Cohen

That helped but I had to guess at a few things. I posted a comment in the YouTube about what was different for me.

Answer 4

Hi there.

Oh yes you can!!!

Here is what worked for me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYsujwWgmJU

HTH

Guy Cohen

Answer 5

I would guess it wants the NAME of the SQL Server

And then it will probably want the name of the Database on the server

And then possibly the name of the table you want to import

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John Spencer Access MVP 2002-2005, 2007-2010 The Hilltop Institute University of Maryland Baltimore County