Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
Appendix E: xlodbc.exe Add-In
I am sorry to report that Microsoft © did not grant us permission to distribute the xlodbc.exe file
with this text. In most instances Microsoft's © reluctance seemed to stem from the fact that the
xlodbc.exe file was written for older versions of Excel (Earlier than 2003.) Considering that
Microsoft © does not have an immediate plan to update this file, and that the file is freely available
on the knowledgebase of their website, the denial of permission seems silly if not absurd. While
the XLODBC add-in will not install or function in Excel 2003 without some tweaking, a fix for
this problem is described in this Appendix (see “Installing the XLODBC.XLA Add-In in Excel
2003”.) By keeping the file available on Microsoft's © website, the company seems to feel the
material still has some value for its consumers, but not enough value to update or grant permission
for a third party to distribute. The last known link to the material is placed below, along with
keywords that should enable the user to find the material using a Google search.
If the reader finds this policy somewhat frustrating or it has caused them to waste time hunting
down documents on the internet, I would encourage them to write Microsoft and politely ask them
to review their policy. My point of contact was Ceal Howell. Typical Microsoft © email addresses
are First Initial + Last Name @ microsoft.com (Ex. John Doe = jd
oe@microsoft.com
).
Note to Reader:
Microsoft © will not allow anyone to download this file unless they can prove
to Microsoft's satisfaction that they are running an unpirated version of Windows™ and/or
Microsoft Office™. When trying to download the software you will see a message like this: “This
download is available to customers running genuine Microsoft Office. Please click the Continue
button to begin Office validation. As described in our privacy statement, Microsoft will not use the
information collected during validation to identify or contact you.” If Microsoft does not determine
that the software you are running is legitimate, there is an unsubstantiated rumor that if you offer
your first born child to serve as a slave in the Gates mansion you will be allowed to download
anything you want from Microsoft © for free.
Last known location for the xlodbc.exe file:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=57E79367-13A0-4895-
9942-5B177846AB8A&displaylang=en
xlodbc.exe, “Open Database Connectivity”, ODBC, Excel
Keywords:
SUNGARD DENIED PERMISSION TO REPRINT THIS MANUAL
Sungard has put together a handy little manual on using ODBC Functions within Excel. I had
hoped to reprint the 20 page document here in the appendix titled “EXCEL VBA ODBC FUNC-
TIONS.” The document outlines in a simple understandable manner how to use ODBC Functions
within Microsoft Excel. At the time of editing this document was freely available on the web at
these locations:
http://www.tradeline.com/doclib/library/TLOS_Excel_ODBC_Functions.doc
http://www.tradeline.com/doclib/library/TLOS_Excel_ODBC_Functions.pdf
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