How to make an Excel data connection without a DSN?

Question

We have a tool from a vendor that comes with instructions for us geeks to build a DSN for it to work.

Unfortunately (1) it isn't a geek that would use it; (2) we don't want to keep having to "fix it" every time they get on a different computer; and (3) we don't want all the DSNs left on the previous computers, since they contain DB passwords in plain text.

I have often in the past used a connection string without a DSN to do this sort of thing. But THIS time, Excel complains that it can't find a DSN in the connection string.

Answer 1

The biggest difference between all the conection strings that didn't work is that they tried to use OLE. ODBC worked.

Answer 2

Can you use an OleDB connection with either the Jet or Ace provider? See here:

Excel Connection Strings (OleDb)