OLE DB data connections

You can create a data connection to select data from an OLE DB data source .

See: OLE DB

Creating a new OLE DB data connection

Do the following:

1. Click Create new connection and select OLE DB.

2. Select Provider from the list of available providers.

3. Type the name of the Data source to connect to. This can be a server name, or in some cases, the path to a database file. This depends on which OLE DB provider you are using.

   Example:  

   If you selected Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine OLE DB Provider, enter the file name of the Access database file, including the full file path:

   C:\Users\{user}\Documents\Qlik\Sense\Apps\Tutorial source files\Sales.accdb

   Warning noteIf connection to the data source fails, a warning message is displayed.

4. Select which type of credentials to use if required:

   • Windows integrated security: With this option you use existing Windows credentials of the user running the Qlik Sense service.
   • Specific user name and password: With this option you need to enter User name and Password.

   If the data source does not require credentials, leave User name and Password empty.

5. If you want to test the connection, click Load and then Select database... to use for establishing the data connection.

   Information noteYou are still able to use all other available databases of the data source when selecting data from the data connection.

6. If you want to use a name different to the default provider name, edit Name.

   Information noteYou cannot use the following characters in the connection name: \ / : * ? " ' < > |

7. Click Save.

   Information noteThe Save button is only enabled if connection details have been entered correctly, and the automatic connection test was successful.

The connection is now added to the Data connections, and you can connect to, and select data from the connected OLE DB data source if the connection string is correctly entered.

Editing an OLE DB data connection

Do the following:

1. Click @ on the OLE DB data connection you want to edit.

   The Edit connection (OLE DB) dialog opens.

2. You can edit the following properties:

   • Connection string (this contains references to the Provider and the Data source)
   • Username
   • Password
   • Name
3. Click Save.

The connection is now updated.

Best practices when using OLE DB data connections

Security aspects when connecting to file based OLE DB data connections

OLE DB data connections using file based drivers will expose the path to the connected data file in the connection string. The path can be exposed when the connection is edited, in the data selection dialog, or in certain SQL queries.

If this is a concern, it is recommended to connect to the data file using a folder data connection if it is possible.

Troubleshooting data selection problems

If you are not able to select data from the data connection, please verify that the connection string is correctly designed, and that you use appropriate credentials to log on.