How to configure Squirrel SQL client to work with MS Access

Question

I'm struggling to get Squirrel SQL to connect to MS Access database (just a normal one, no password):

• I create an Alias and use Driver: JBDC ODBC bridge (There is a tick in front of this driver)
• I don't know what to put in URL
• -------- I use: Path to database file ~~> Unsuccessful
• -------- I use: jdbc:odbc:Path to database file ~~> Unsuccessful
• I'm running it on windows 7.

I guest this should be a simple straight forward process, but please advise me how to get it working.

Answer 1

Now that the JDBC-ODBC Bridge has been removed from Java 8 the previous answer to this question will become less relevant over time. The following method uses the UCanAccess JDBC driver.

Go to UCanAccess on Maven Central, Browse the latest version, and download the uber.jar file.

Creating a Squirrel SQL "Driver" entry (one-time setup)

In Squirrel SQL, create a new "Driver" entry for UCanAccess and specify the location of the uber.jar on the "JDBC Driver Class Path" pane

Note: Remember to enter net.ucanaccess.jdbc.UcanaccessDriver as the "Class Name" (see above).

Creating a database "Alias" (one for each database)

To open a specific database, create a Squirrel SQL "Alias" entry, replacing the <path_to_database_file> placeholder with the actual path to the file

Important: Make sure that the connection URL ends with ;showSchema=true.

Answer 2

I found the solution. Put below string in URL:

(Assuming that path to your database file is D:\DBs\DatabaseFile.mdb)

jdbc:odbc:Driver={Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb, *.accdb)};Dbq=D:\DBs\DatabaseFile.mdb