Save "ODBC4.exe" in a temporary directory or your "My Documents" folder to extract the installation files.
Step 2 - Running the Installer
Using Windows Explorer locate the "ODBC4.exe" in the temporary directory or your "My Documents" folder and double click on the file to install the driver. Click "Next>" to continue.
The product's readme file is displayed showing the revision
and driver build you are about to install. Click "Next>" to continue.
Follow the instructions on the screen and select
your geographic region from the supported list.
Click "Next>" to continue.
The FlexODBC Limited Use Software License is displayed.
If you agree with the Limited Use Software License,
click "Next>" to install FlexODBC, otherwise click to Cancel.
If you have already purchased a FlexODBC v4 license,
you would have your own CD Key. Enter the CD Key now,
otherwise leave blank to operate FlexODBC in it's
30 Day Evaluation Mode. If the product is unregistered,
it is limited to 100 records searched per query
in evaluation mode. Click "Next>" to continue.
Select the Destination Directory if different than the default.
Click "Next>" to continue.
FlexODBC is now ready to install. Click "Next>" to continue.
The FlexODBC product files are now installed.
Click "Exit" to complete the installation.
Please Note: During the installation process make sure you view the “Read Me” file for the latest FlexODBC release notes, fixes and other pertinent information.
Step 3 - Basic Configuration
Following the successful installation of FlexODBC you should immediately tell FlexODBC where your DataFlex data is located! Click on "Start" and "All Programs" and locate the "FlexODBC Driver for DataFlex" program group on your desktop. Click on the "FlexODBC Setup" icon to launch the setup program supplied with FlexODBC.
Click on the "..." button in the FlexODBC Setup to search
your system for your DataFlex data setting for DFPath.
Locate the local or remote drive and folder that contains your DataFlex Data.
Note: The folder will need to contain a file called "filelist.cfg" in order for FlexODBC
to operate. Click on "Open" and "OK" to save the new DFPath.
The DFPath for the Visual DataFlex v10.1 Order Example is shown here.
Step 4 - Seeing your Data
Now that DFPath is configured to point to your data, it's time to test your connection. Click on "Start" and "All Programs" and locate the "FlexODBC Driver for DataFlex" program group on your desktop. Click on the "VB Demo" icon to launch the Visual Basic Demo program supplied with FlexODBC.
To establish a connection: From the menu bar
select "Connections" | "Add New connection".
Select the "Machine Data Source" tab and "DataFlex Data32" User DSN, Click "OK”.
Click on the "Tables" button to display the list of Tables in your application.
The tables from our Visual DataFlex v10.1 Order Example are shown here.
To view the contents of a table, double click on the table name of interest to you,
for example "CUSTOMER". The Select statement will change to the name selected,
for example "SELECT * FROM CUSTOMER". Click on the "Query" button and the requested
query results will appear! In case you're wondering, the * in the SQL Select statement
means all columns in that Table.
FlexODBC supports the use of multiple tables and Left Outer Joins. For example,
to view all Customers and their Orders, regardless whether they have orders
or not, we can type in a complex SQL Statement like the one shown below
and execute the query.
The customer "La Avenida Mexican Store" is displayed in a
Left Outer Join, even though it has no orders.
To disconnect, you can either select "Connections" | "Remove
the connection" or Click the "Disconnect" button
Trouble Shooting
If you have successfully made a connection in the VB Demo with our test databases but cannot make a connection with your own data, refer to the manual for possible solutions. The FlexODBC Manual is installed with the program and is in a PDF document file which is viewed with Adobe Acrobat. The Adobe Acrobat installer, if you do not have Acrobat Reader, is on the CD-ROM or at www.adobe.com.
If the manual does not address your specific problem contact the dealer or distributor you purchased the product from for further assistance. Any other questions or technical support can be addressed to support@DataAccess.com.au.
DataFlex File Extensions
In DataFlex, regardless of the operating system the files and specifically the file extensions are the same. The following is a list of DataFlex files that FlexODBC utilizes in its operation and what they represent: