ODBC data sources use a different syntax for specifying database names and connection information. You can add the data source name, or DSN, by using the ODBC Data Source Administrator application (accessed through the Windows Control Panel), the RegisterDatabase method of the DBEngine object, or the ODBC application programming interface (API). Data source names are stored in the \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ODBC\Odbc.ini registry key.
Each entry in the ODBC.INI subkey assigns a logical DSN to a set of attributes that includes the name of the ODBC database server; the name of the database on the server, if multiple databases are supported; the type of server (for example, SQL Server); a description of network and connection arguments; and additional information, such as character set conversions. Because connections to ODBC data sources rely on this information, your application must make sure users have the appropriate DSN in their registry before you attempt to access remote data.
See Also For more information about creating a DSN through the ODBC Data Source Administrator application, see the ODBC Data Source Administrator Help file.