Microsoft Access

[iclestu]

Is it possible to link to the PT3 database tables from Microsoft Access? I wouldn't mind a "rumage araound" to see how things look and my ability to 'speak SQL' is somewhat limited!

[kraada]

As far as I know there is no way to do this; PTv2 was done in Access and it pushed the limits of Access and so it was decided to move to a more robust database language, PostgreSQL. Since PT3's database contains much, much more data than PT2's, I'm not sure if it's possible (or how you would) backport the database.

However, there is a tutorial on PostgreSQL available here.

[iclestu]

Ha! Yes, I really need to stop putting it off and learn to speak SQL, don't I!?

Many Thanks for your response.

I did think there was a way to link to a database tables that existed on an SQL server through access though. The tables are not actually stored in a MS access 'file' just a link to them (but you can still run queries,view them, etc). I really am not sure how it worked (perhaps I misunderstood the situation - perhaps it only works with some microsoft compatible server or perhaps there is some plug-in? - I really have no idea as you can probably tell!) but i do remember the icons for the linked tables were like 'globes' in Access rather than the standard table icon - somebody please tell me I am not going mad?!

Ah well - SQL tutorials here we come.....

[iclestu]

Hey I got it!

Here's how, for anyone else who may be interested.... not sure if it will work for everyone (im pretty clueless u know! :)) so treat this solution with a modicum of suspicion! I use MS Access 2003 and XP. No idea how different or similar it may be on other set-ups.

1. Dowload & install a little plugin thingy from the link below for postgresql to allow you to set up a ODBC connectionny (whatever that may be!?) thingy to postgresql

http://pgfoundry.org/projects/psqlodbc

2. In a MS Access db right-click in the 'table area' (under where it says create a new table in design view, create a new table by entering data, etc.) and select 'link tables'

3. When the file manager pops up change the file type at the bottom from '*.mdb' to 'ODBC databases' and another little data connections window pops up.

4. select the 'machine data source' and then click new for ANOTHER little 'create new data source' window to pop up...

5.select 'system data source' and next, then from the window list select 'postgresql' then next and finish.

6. Complete the postgresql window with your details and click save- here is what I filled in (I used the default postrgresql setup):

Datasource: PostgreSQL, Database: PT3 DB, Server: localhost, Username: Postgres, Password: dbpass, Port:5432

7. Robert is you mother's brother up comes (an impressively complicated!) list of tables to link to. The icon is a little globe as I remembered.

Geez - that has to be an absolute 1st. I have never managed to do any of these complicated adminy things without the aid of a boffin before! It's just a pity i do not have the foggiest idea how i managed it (or what half the things were - what on earth is ODBC at any rate?).

ah well - SQL SmeshQL, give me Uncle Bill's cuddly user interface any time......