In order to log into Access Dimensions, you will need to create an ODBC link between your system and your SQL server. Please note that we recommend that the ODBC link setup is completed by a system administrator or someone familiar with ODBC setup and creation.
There are two methods that can be used to create the link.
Method One: Create the ODBC link using Windows
The following instructions are written for Windows 10 64-bit - please note that the menus and locations may vary if your on another version of Windows.
To set this up, click the Start button on the computer, Control Panel, All Control Panel Items, Administrative Tools, ODBC Data Sources (32-bit).
Click the System DSN tab and select Add...
Select the relevant driver for the server version and click Finish.
We recommend using SQL Server Native Client drivers, and for Dimensions versions 2.51f and above, you must use Native Client drivers.
Please note that if you have Dimensions 2.51f and above and you do not have SQL Server Native Client driver available you will need to speak with your IT and arrange to download a relevant driver from the Microsoft Website. Note that you may be able to use The Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server
Enter a name for the connection and select the relevant SQL server\instance.
Select whether the connection is to be SQL authenticated or Windows authenticated.
For SQL authentication you will need to enter a relevant SQL user name and password.
Clear Perform translation for character data.
Click Finish.
The next screen will allow you to Test Data Source. We strongly recommend testing the data source you have setup to identify any issues with the connection.
Method two: Create the ODBC link using Access Dimensions
On the Dimensions log in screen, select the More button.
Select the magnifying glass next to the ODBC Data link box.
Find and select the ODBC Administrator icon (usually on the top left).
Select the System DSN tab and select Add.
Select the relevant driver version (we recommend using SQL Server Native Client drivers and that versions 2.51f and above must use an SQL native client driver).
Please note that if you have Dimensions 2.51f and above and you do not have SQL Server Native Client driver available you will need to speak with your IT and arrange to download a relevant driver from the Microsoft Website. Note that you may be able to use The Microsoft ODBC Driver for SQL Server
Enter a name for the connection and select the relevant SQL server.
Select Next.
Select whether the connection is to be SQL Authenticated or Windows Authenticated. If you are using SQL authentication, please enter a relevant username and password for the connection.
Select Next
The default settings in this screen can be left as they are.
Select Next.
Select Finish.
You will now have an option on the screen for Test Data Source. Use this to test the connection you have created.
Regardless of which of the above methods is used, once completed, you should then be able to select the relevant ODBC datalink when logging into Dimensions.