Before using the DP4 ODBC interface, you may have to ensure the DP4 database manager is loaded, or on Windows NT that the DP4 System service is started. In general DP4 for Windows 9x/NT will auto-load the database manager in any case. However in some circumstances this may not be possible, for example on Windows NT IIS (Internet Information Server) service may not be allowed to start the DP4 service because of security considerations.
How you access a DP4 database through the ODBC interface, depends on the application program from which you want access. See the instructions for your application for details. Some examples of using DP4 databases with Microsoft Office applications and with Crystal Reports are given below. Whenever you connect to a DP4 database via ODBC you may be asked to log on to the database. How to do this, and how to avoid having to do it are explained in Logging onto a DP4 database.
Much of the information in this section was created several years ago. As a result you may find some of the instructions are slightly inaccurate if you are using the latest versions of these products. Please let us know if you find any serious inaccuracies. The DP4 User Group web site will often contain information relating to the use of DP4 via ODBC with new products and new versions of products.