Unable To Use 32 bit Visio Data Model add-on to Connect To SQL Server 2017

Kaushik P 1 Reputation point
2021-09-22T17:17:10.067+00:00

When I use "Microsoft SQL Server" as the installed Visio driver and set up a DSN, it says "The currently selected visio driver is not compatible with the data source". If I choose "ODBC Generic Driver" I am able to reverse engineer, but, with limited functionality - no views, column datatypes are not reflected correctly, etc. I am using Visio Plan 2 (upgraded from Visio 2016) and have installed the data modeling add-on.

I already tried downloading the Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL server - but I already had it.

On a side note, with my same setup, if I open a "Brainstorming diagram" template in Visio and go to Data -> Custom Import -> Microsoft SQL Server Database; I am able to import both tables and views just fine. In fact, it does not even ask me to set up a DSN to import data.

Additionally, I have another work laptop (for a different department within the same company). There, I am using 64 bit version of Visio Plan 2 (upgraded from Visio 2016 as well) to connect to Microsoft SQL Server 2016 SP2-CU17 (as opposed to 2017) and it works fine there. So, is it SQL Server 2016 (works) vs 2017 (doesn't work); or 64 bit office (works) vs 32 bit office (doesn't work); or something to do with database, database server or network configuration.

On the Visio data modeling add-on help page, it says that "Visio for Enterprise Architects" has even more data modeling features - including forward engineering. I was trying to search for it online with no luck. Would really appreciate if you can send me a link about that version. Is it still a supported product? How do I download/install it?

My goal is to be able to at least reverse engineer table, views, procedures, etc from SQL Server 2017 using Visio.

Visio Management
Visio Management
Visio: A family of Microsoft products used to create diagrams and vector graphics.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Olaf Helper 40,656 Reputation points
    2021-09-23T06:25:23.807+00:00

    My goal is to be able to at least reverse engineer table, views, procedures, etc from SQL Server 2017 using Visio.

    MS Visio is may good to visiualize ER diagram, but that's all.
    For database re-einigeer, develop and deploy changes better use SSDT = SQL Server Data Tools.

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  2. CathyJi-MSFT 21,081 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-09-23T07:30:49.03+00:00

    Hi @Kaushik P ,

    >So, is it SQL Server 2016 (works) vs 2017 (doesn't work); or 64 bit office (works) vs 32 bit office (doesn't work);

    Currently, I have not found any official documents about 32-bit Visio unable to connect to SQL server.

    > My goal is to be able to at least reverse engineer table, views, procedures, etc from SQL Server 2017 using Visio.

    You can also try to use Visual Studio Tool. Please refer to the blog Reverse Engineer SQL Server Databases with Visual Studio to get more.

    If the response is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it, as this could help other community members looking for similar thread.

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  3. Kaushik P 1 Reputation point
    2021-09-23T20:33:45.52+00:00

    Thank you @Olaf Helper and @CathyJi-MSFT for your responses.

    I do not have Visual Studio. I would really like to get this working in Visio. I feel I am so close to a working solution. I am not able to comprehend that it is working in one laptop with 64 bit Visio connecting to SQL Server 2016 and not working in another with 32 bit Visio connecting to SQL Server 2017. Also, the 32 bit Visio is able to connect to the same SQL Server 2017 using the brainstorming template but not the database modeling add-on.

  4. Olaf Helper 40,656 Reputation points
    2021-09-24T05:55:22.47+00:00

    I do not have Visual Studio.

    Visual Studio (Community Edition) with SSDT is free for download, see the link I posted before: SSDT = SQL Server Data Tools.