Using Microsoft Access Databases
IWS‘s database interface lets you store information in and retrieve information from Microsoft Access database (ACCDB) files.
You do not need to have Access installed on the same computer as IWS; IWS can directly read from and write to an existing ACCDB file. However, you do need to use Access to create the initial file — either a blank database for new data or a populated database for reference data. Once you’ve created the file, you can move it to any location and establish a connection to it there.
- In the Database Configuration property sheet, click the Browse button (…).
The Data Link Properties property sheet is displayed:Figure 1. Selecting the OLE DB Provider
- Select the appropriate OLE DB Provider for your database:
- For a Microsoft Access 2003 database file, select Microsoft Jet 4.0.
- For a Microsoft Access 2007 database file, select Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine.
- Click Next.
The Connection tab of the property sheet is displayed:Figure 2. Specifying the location of the file
- In the Data Source text box, type the complete file path for your ACCDB file.
Although the file can be located anywhere on your computer or network, it may be useful to keep it in your project folder. For example:
C:UsersusernameDocumentsInduSoft Web Studio v7.1 Projectsproject_nameDatabase1.accdbIf you do this, however, then you must update the file path whenever you move the project folder.
- Specify the User name and Password, if any, for the ACCDB file.
- Click Test Connection.
If a connection can be successfully established, then an appropriate message is displayed.
- Click OK to save your changes and return to the Database Configuration property sheet.
To handle large amounts of historical data, we recommend that you use either IWS‘s proprietary format or a dedicated relational database such as Microsoft SQL Server or ORACLE.