Creating a Windows ASP Microsoft Access data source

As a shortcut, you can add Microsoft Access databases that don't require usernames or passwords directly to your Web site (config/datasources), eliminating the need to create a data source object. If you do this, be sure to disable HTTP read access to the datasources folder (always a recommended security precaution) to prevent users from downloading your entire database.

For Access databases that require passwords, or non-Access databases, you must create a data source object.

In addition, for database sources other than Microsoft Access, you must install the required drivers on the Web server machine and register them with Windows as an ODBC datasource.

To add an Access database (.mdb) to your Web site:

Drag your database file to the config/datasources folder in your site. Upload the config folder to the Web server. Alternatively, you can use the Explorer on Windows or the Finder on Mac OS to place the file in your site. If you do it outside of GoLive, be sure to refresh the site the next time it is opened (Site > Refresh View).

Once the database is uploaded to the server, it can be selected as a content source.

To prepare a Windows Web server for a non-Access data source:

1. Do one of the following:
• Choose Start > Settings > Control Panel, and double-click ODBC Data Sources (Windows 98).
• Choose Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Data Sources (ODBC) (Windows NT and 2000).
2. Click the System DSN tab.
3. Click Add.
4. Choose the driver for the database you are using, and click Finish.
5. Give the data source an appropriate name, and click OK.

This procedure creates a data source name that can then be used in the ADO Database data source editor in GoLive. The data source name identifies a driver that will handle connections to a particular type of database such as Oracle, SQL Server, or Microsoft Excel files. If you don't see the driver you expect in the list in step 3, check that your database software is properly installed on the server and consult the database system documentation for information about Microsoft Windows ODBC data source setup.

To prepare a Windows Web server for a FileMaker Pro database:

1. Open the ODBC control panel on your Web server.
2. Click the System DSN tab, and click Add.
3. Select the FileMaker Pro driver in the Create New Data Source window, and click Finish.

Note: FileMaker Pro must already be installed on the server for its driver to appear as a choice.

4. Enter FMP as the Data Source Name and Description.
5. Select the Use Remote Connection option, and set the server address to the IP address of the machine running the FileMaker Pro database.

Important: The FileMaker Pro database will not work with the Web server unless the Use Remote Connection option is selected. If the database is on the same machine as your Web server, select the Use Remote Connection option, and use the IP address 127.0.0.1.

6. Make sure that FileMaker Pro is running and that the databases you want to use are open. These databases show up as tables in the list of tables displayed for a content source in the Inspector.
7. Create a .udl file, selecting the ODBC provider as the Provider and FMP as the Data Source. (See Creating an ASP ADO data source.)

If you encounter difficulties as you create the Data Link (.udl) file or configure the ODBC control panel for FileMaker Pro, please consult with the administrator of the database and the system administrator of your network or Web server.