---
title: "Create ODBC connector for windows"
canonical: "https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/mxAPI/2237726728/Create%20ODBC%20connector%20for%20windows"
format: markdown
---
This article will details how to create the generic ODBC connection to connect to the dsCONNECT database. please note that you should refer to your vendors software and ODBC requirements to ensure that the ODBC is setup correctly.

## Install ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server*

* *Skip this step if dsCONNECT app is installed on the same device as it is included as port of the installation*

1. Open a browser and go to Microsoft’s download page for the driver  
Use the official **“ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server”** [download link](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/connect/odbc/download-odbc-driver-for-sql-server) listed there.
2. Download the **64‑bit** version (x64) for Windows.
3. Run the installer:
  - Accept the license.
  - Leave defaults as‑is unless your IT requires changes.
  - Finish the installation.

### Verify the driver installed

1. Press **Win + R**, type `odbcad64` and press **Enter**.
2. In **ODBC Data Source Administrator**, go to the **Drivers** tab.
3. Confirm **“ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server”** appears in the list.

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## 2. Decide: User DSN vs System DSN

When you create the connector:

- **User DSN** – only available to your Windows user account.
- **System DSN** – available to **all** users on the machine and services. This may require admin permissions to setup

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## 3. Create a new ODBC 18 data source

1. Press **Win + R**, type `odbcad64` and press **Enter**.
2. Go to the **System DSN** tab (or **User DSN** if you only need it for yourself).
3. Click **Add…**.
4. In the list of drivers, choose **“ODBC Driver 18 for SQL Server”** and click **Finish**.

You’ll now be in the “Create a New Data Source to SQL Server” wizard.

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## 4. Configure the basic connection settings


1. **Name** – a friendly DSN name (e.g. `dsCONNECT_Database`).
2. **Description** – optional explanatory text.
3. **Server** – the SQL Server hosting the dsCONNECT database:
  - For a default instance: `SERVERNAME`
  - For a named instance: `SERVERNAME\INSTANCENAME`
  - Add `,port` if non‑default (e.g. `SERVERNAME,1445`).

Click **Next**.

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## 5. Authentication and database selection

1. Choose **Authentication**:
  - Often **“With Windows NT authentication…”** (Integrated security), or
  - **SQL Server authentication** (login & password), depending on your environment.
2. Enter credentials if using SQL auth.
3. Click **Next**.
4. **Default database**:
  - Choose **“Change the default database to:”** and select your target DB  
(e.g. `dsCONNECT`.), *or*
  - If you hit issues with Driver 18 encryption (see below), you may temporarily **leave default database unchanged**, continue, and then come back to set it.

Click **Next**.

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## 6. Encryption settings for ODBC Driver 18

There are known encryption quirks with Driver 18 (see MaxGeo article:  
[https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/DS/1461288974/ODBC+Driver+18+Compatibility+with+DataShed4+and+SQL+2022](https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/DS/1461288974/ODBC+Driver+18+Compatibility+with+DataShed4+and+SQL+2022) 

If you see encryption‑related connection errors with Driver 18:

**Workaround:**

1. In the wizard, **don’t change the default database yet**.
2. Proceed to the encryption options screen.
3. Set encryption to **“Optional”** (or equivalent wording in the wizard).
4. Then go **back** to the first form and choose your target default database.
5. Finish the wizard and test – this sequence typically bypasses the encryption issue.


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## 8. Test the connector

1. In the final step of the wizard, click **“Test Data Source…”**.
2. Confirm **“TESTS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY!”** (or similar).
3. Click **OK** to save the DSN.

Your **ODBC Driver 18** connector is now ready to be used by applications (e.g. ArcGIS, ioGAS)