How to Connect an MS Access Database to SQL Server
- George Apostolov
How to Connect an MS Access Database to SQL Server: step-by-step guide
Inside the main dashboard of your MS Access database, head over to the top menu bar and click 'External Data'.
Select 'ODBC Database' from the available options under the Import & Link section.
Following that, select your preferred data source and destination. Tap 'OK' afterwards to proceed.
Click the 'Machine Data Source' tab.
Subsequently, tap 'New'.
Specify the type of data you wish to use as the source and then click 'Next'.
After that, pick 'SQL Server' from the list of options and then tap 'Next'.
Check the configuration details, then tap 'Finish'.
Once done, head back to the Machine Data Source tab and then select the newly configured SQL Server data source. Tap 'OK' afterwards to continue.
Review the configuration details one more time and then click 'OK'.
Finally, provide your preferred Data Source Name, Description, and SQL Server. After that, click 'Finish' to save and enable the integration of your MS Access database with SQL Server.
Quick answer: To connect your database to SQL Server, click External Data in MS Access, select ODBC Database, configure the Machine Data Source by choosing SQL Server, and enter your details to finish the integration.
About this tutorial
Integrate your database with SQL Server using the app by configuring an ODBC data source and saving your settings. This guide shows how to connect an MS Access Database to SQL Server in 11 steps, starting with "Inside the main dashboard of your MS Access database, head over to the top menu bar and..." and finishing with "Finally, provide your preferred Data Source Name, Description, and SQL Server. After th...". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real product interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to connect an MS Access Database to SQL Server?
11 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
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