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OLE DB

Qlik Sense supports the OLE DB (Object Linking and Embedding, Database) interface for connections to external data sources. A great number of external databases can be accessed via OLE DB.

OLE DB data connection settings

Setting Description
Provider

Select Provider from the list of available providers. Only available when you create a new connection.

Data source

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. Only available when you create a new connection.

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 a connection to the data source fails, a warning message is displayed.
Connection string The connection string to use when connecting to the data source. This string contains references to the Provider and the Data source. Only available when you edit a connection.
Windows integrated security With this option you use the 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 for the data source login credentials.
Username

User name to connect with, if required by the data source.

Leave this field empty if you use Windows integrated security or the data source does not require credentials.

Password

Password to connect with, if required by the data source.

Leave this field empty if you use Windows integrated security or the data source does not require credentials.

Load

Select database...

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.
Name Name of the data connection.

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 that you connect to the data file using a folder data connection if it is possible.

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