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Is it possible to access a database via ODBC and access this in MS Excel or OpenOffice, then exporting the database into a flat file?

The program I am accessing data only allows an ODBC connection in. Not sure what database it is.

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It's possible. What version of excel? That will change the instructions. – JNK Aug 27 '10 at 15:09
It is Excel 2003 – Daniel Aug 27 '10 at 15:41

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In Excel 2003, click on Data -> Import external Data -> Import Data.

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Click on New Source, ODBC DSN and select choose your ODBC connection

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+1 - Even with screenshots! :) – JNK Aug 27 '10 at 17:10
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I'll assume Excel 2007 and if it's different we can change the answer here. I'm also assuming MS SQL Server.

1 - Set up data connection. Data Tab -> From Other Sources -> From SQL Server

2 - Enter info into Wizard for SQL conneciton.

Your best bet to export to a flat file is to save your SQL table link to a new worksheet, then save that worksheet as a CSV or .TXT or whatever format you are after.

Let me know if you need more specifics.

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It is Excel 2003 – Daniel Aug 27 '10 at 15:42
Can I have specifics on doing this for Excel 2003? – Daniel Aug 27 '10 at 15:44
Not sure what the backend database is, just that i can access it via ODBC. – Daniel Aug 27 '10 at 15:49
@Sathya gave great directions here while I was at lunch! – JNK Aug 27 '10 at 17:09

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