Before You Get Started

Your machine must have an Oracle client installed. If your machine does not have an Oracle client installed, follow the instructions in this document: Downloading and Installing Oracle Client

Setting up the ODBC Connection

These directions apply for both 32-bit and 64-bit ODBC connections. The only difference between 32-bit and 64-bit configurations is noted in the first step below. You must complete these steps on every computer you plan to connect with InfoAccess.

1. Locate "ODBC Data Sources". The easiest way to do this is to press the Windows key and type "ODBC". Otherwise, "ODBC Data Sources" is located in Control Panel -> Administrative Tools. Note: there is a different configuration administrator for 32- and 64-bit connectors; choose whichever one is appropriate to your needs. You may have to configure both 32- and 64-bit InfoAccess connections. Configuration is done separately for each connection.

   

2. Click on the "User DSN" tab, and then "Add".

   

3. Select the version of Oracle client you wish to add, then click "Finish". Common versions you may see are "Oracle in OraClient12Home1" or "Oracle in OraClient11Home1".

   
4. Configure the client. You must fill in the following fields:

   • Data Source Name: user-friendly name of the data source.

   • Description: user-friendly description of the data source.

   • TNS Service Name: name of the server as it is recorded in your tnsnames.ora file.

   • User ID: your InfoAccess user ID.

5. Remember to remove the check from the "Enable Query Timeout" box (if present), then click "OK". You may click the "Test Connection" button, which will have you log in to InfoAccess with your credentials and test the connection. If the test completes successfully, the Oracle ODBC connection was successfully configured.

   

Need More Information?

If you have questions about this document, please contact the Data, Academic Planning and Institutional Research (DAPIR, https://data.wisc.edu/) at info@data.wisc.edu.