To connect to Excel (*.xls files) using the ODBC driver (Open DataBase Connectivity) please follow the procedure below:

Start Excel

Open the Connection dialog: SQL*XL | Connect...

Start the Data Link Properties wizard

Choose the Provider Microsoft OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers.

Select your data source name (DSN) from the list.

If there is no DSN for your database in the list use the Refresh button. If it is still not in the list you may need to create a new DSN using the ODBC Data Source Administrator

After you choose a data source name you leave the user name, password fields blank. Also you don't have to tick the Allow saving password field.

Always use the Test Connection button before you continue

After connecting to the database once you can reconnect by selecting the connection from the Connection History list and typing the Password.

See also:

• Connecting to a database
• Connection dialog
• ODBC Data Source Administrator
• Data Link Properties wizard