How to Connect an MS Access Database to SQL Server

Quick summary

Connecting an MS Access database to SQL Server requires setting up an ODBC data source through Access's External Data menu, allowing you to import or link tables directly between the two systems. This step-by-step process takes just a few minutes and enables seamless data integration between Microsoft Access and SQL Server.

Steps

1. Open your MS Access database, go to the top menu bar, and click External Data.
2. Select ODBC Database from the available options under the Import & Link section.
3. Choose your preferred data source and destination, then click OK to proceed.
4. Click the Machine Data Source tab in the dialog that appears.
5. Click New to begin creating a new data source.
6. Specify the type of data you want to use as the source, then click Next.
7. Select SQL Server from the list of available drivers, then click Next.
8. Review the configuration details and click Finish.
9. Return to the Machine Data Source tab, select the newly configured SQL Server data source, and click OK.
10. Review the connection configuration one final time and click OK.
11. Enter your preferred Data Source Name, description, and SQL Server details, then click Finish to save and enable the integration.