How to switch back-end database in Project 2003?

[ProjectDev]

We're FINALLY making the switch to Project 2003 from Project 2003. Our
projects are stored in a SQL Server database.

In Project 2000, when I click File/Open - I'm able to switch the data source
name (or browse for a file) by clicking on the ODBC button.

In Project 2003 - there is no ODBC button. I have the default setting to
open projects stored in a database. How do I switch to browse for files or
switch the back-end database since there is no ODBC button any longer?

Thanks --

 

[Rod Gill]

Hi,

I have Project 2003 and I still have the ODBC button. However, your
installation may have a default ODBC connection. Change it via Tools,
Options, click the Save tab then select and modify the ODBC setting.

 

[ProjectDev]

Hi -

Are you using Project 2003 Professional or Standard? I'm mystified. The ODBC
button is just not there ... I need that button.

I had already updated the default setting for the ODBC database via the
Tools/Options/Save tab.

Thanks --

 

[ProjectDev]

I should mention that I'm using Project 2003 Professional.

Sorry, I misspoke on my buttons. I meant to say that there used to be a blue
left arrow next to the Data Source Name when you clicked File/Open (against
an ODBC database) in Project 2000. Clicking on this arrow brought up the
Browse window where you could browse for files, or click on the ODBC button
to select a new data source name to switch databases.

On the File/Open dialog box for Project 2003 (when default files are saved
to an ODBC database) - there is no arrow button. Instead it appears that this
screen is now part of the "Import Wizard" and I have a Back and Next button.

Clicking on the Back button - i get a screen that asks me if I want to
import a full project or selected data. I select full project and then click
Next - then I'm back to my list of projects in the database. Select "selected
data" and it asks me to define a map.

Bottom line is - i do not see an easy way to switch from opening the
projects in my database to opening files on my desktop. I'm not sure why this
facility would be lost in 2003? Or am I missing something?

 

[Rod Gill]

Under Tools, Options, Save tab make sure the default file type is Microsoft
Project file. OK, then close and re-open Project. Is the ODBC button back?
If not, someone has messed with your installation because my copy of Project
2003 Pro has the ODBC button as per previous versions. I click File, Open
then click the ODBC button.

 

[Jim P]

There are two windows that could appear when using File ->Open, one if you
are logged into Project Server and one if you are working in a local mode (My
Computer). When logged into project server, the open dialog shows the
projects that have been saved to Project Server (but not those that have
merely been saved to the database using an ODBC connection). But on the
bottom of the Open dialog box, when you click the Open from File the My
Computer version of the dialog box opens. It is this second window that shows
the ODBC icon.

So, to get to the ODBC icon, either do not log in to Project Server or click
on the "Open from File" button to see the old style file oriented dialog box.

Jim P.