Convert ODBC-based Connections to ADO

Database connections created in earlier versions of HotDocs were driven by ODBC connectivity, which required you to specify an ODBC data source name in your database component.

Now, when you connect to a database using HotDocs 11, the primary means of connection is ADO. (See Introduction: Link Templates to a Database.) This means that when you convert database components created in earlier versions of HotDocs, HotDocs updates the connection to use the OLE DB provider for ODBC. This allows you to continue to use an ODBC data source, even though the primary mode of connection is ADO. While this type of connection is fully supported, performance of the database component may improve if you change your connection to use a native OLE DB provider for the database you are using.

If your database does not have a native OLE DB provider or if the OLE DB provider does not work, you should continue to use your existing data source, or the data source you created for HotDocs previously. During the conversion, HotDocs automatically selects the OLE DB provider for ODBC drivers and maintains its connection to your data source. You should not have to do anything to update your connection information.

You can change the type of connection by editing the database component, and, provided HotDocs can successfully communicate with the new OLE DB provider, it will maintain all the other properties of the connection—including links between the variables and fields and any filters you have created.

To change an ODBC connection to ADO

  1. Convert the template to HotDocs 11 format by editing it. (See Edit a Template.) (You can do this by clicking Start > Programs > HotDocs 11 > HotDocs. Once the template library appears, you can either add your earlier HotDocs template to the library, or you can open an entire library of earlier HotDocs templates using HotDocs 11. See Add Templates and Other Files to a Library or Open a Library for instructions.)
  2. Once the template is converted to HotDocs 11 format, open the existing database component for editing. (See Edit a Database Component.) The Database Editor appears.
  3. At the Properties tab of the Database Editor, click the Connection properties are defined by drop-down button and select an ADO connection string.
  4. Click the Edit button next to the Connection string field. The Data Link Properties dialog box appears.
  5. Select the provider that corresponds to your database program. (If you are using a Microsoft Access database, select the Microsoft Jet 4.0 provider. If you are using a SQL Server, select the Microsoft Provider for SQL Server. If you are using an Oracle database, select the Oracle Provider for OLE DB. For all other integrations, refer to the documentation for your specific database for help in identifying the correct provider.)
  6. Click Next. The Connection tab of the Data Link Properties dialog box appears.
  7. Specify the correct database information, following the on-screen instructions provided for your specific provider and click OK. The Database Editor appears again. Once the new connection information is specified, HotDocs should maintain all existing properties of the component.
  8. Check the different properties of the database component (such as field mappings and database options) and then click OK to close the Database Editor.

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