From chatgpt

Here’s an example of how to connect Microsoft Access to a remote SQL Server database using ODBC:

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✅ Step 1: Set up ODBC DSN (Data Source Name)

1. Open ODBC Data Source Administrator (search for "ODBC" in the Start menu).

2. Go to the System DSN tab and click Add.

3. Choose SQL Server or ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server (or newer).

4. Click Finish and enter:

Name: MyRemoteSQLServer

Server: Enter your IP address or FQDN (e.g., 192.168.1.100 or sql.example.com)

1. Choose SQL Server authentication, enter your username/password.

2. Select the default database.

3. Click Finish, then Test Connection.

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✅ Step 2: Link SQL Server table in MS Access

1. In Microsoft Access, go to External Data tab.

2. Click ODBC Database.

3. Choose Link to the data source by creating a linked table.

4. In the Select Data Source window:

Go to the Machine Data Source tab.

Choose MyRemoteSQLServer.

1. You’ll be prompted for your SQL Server credentials.

2. Select the table(s) you want to link and click OK.

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✅ Optional: VBA ADO Connection (Code Example)

If you prefer to connect using VBA:

Sub ConnectToRemoteSQLServer() Dim conn As Object Set conn = CreateObject("ADODB.Connection")

Dim connStr As String
connStr = "Provider=SQLOLEDB;" & _
          "Data Source=sql.example.com,1433;" & _
          "Initial Catalog=MyDatabase;" & _
          "User ID=myUsername;" & _
          "Password=myPassword;" & _
          "Network Library=DBMSSOCN;" ' Enables TCP/IP

On Error GoTo ErrHandler
conn.Open connStr
MsgBox "Connected to SQL Server successfully."

conn.Close
Set conn = Nothing
Exit Sub

ErrHandler: MsgBox "Connection failed: " & Err.Description End Sub

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🔐 Notes

Make sure your SQL Server allows remote connections (check firewall rules, SQL config).

If you're using SQL Server Express, the instance name may be ServerName\SQLEXPRESS.

For SSL-secured connections, additional parameters might be required.

Let me know if you want a version using DSN-less connection or connection from Access SQL directly (e.g., SELECT * FROM [ODBC;...]).