Error opening Excel 2010 workbook connected to MySQL Database

[blakeeno]

I built a workbook in Excel 2016 that connects to MySQL data so that my users have access to live data. It's set to refresh data when the file is opened. However, we have mixed Excel versions in our office. A user with Excel 2010 opened up my workbook and received the following error:

"Initialization of the data source failed. Check the database server or contact your database admin. Make sure the external database is available, and then try the operation again. If you see this message again, create a new data source to connect to the database."

I essentially want to give my users access to live MySQL data by building an Excel workbook that's catered to their needs. Is this possible without my end users having to jump through hoops? I want to make this as seamless as possible. We have Tableau at our office but of course, licenses are expensive so I need an alternative. Thanks.

 

[Chihiro]

What license SKU does Excel 2016 have and for Excel 2010?

And how is connection created? Is it via PowerQuery or old school data connection?

 

[blakeeno]

I'm using old school data connection. I'm not sure about the license SKU. I'm not sure where to get that. What I can tell you is that I work for a university so I'm guessing it's some sort of site-wide license. I don't know if that helps. Thanks.

 

[Chihiro]

Then I assume you are using ODBC driver for connection?

You'll need to create DSN (Database Source Name). There are several types of DSN, and which one will depend on your network setting etc.

For sharing connection across network on different machines you'd want File DSN.

Do a google search on MySQL DSN and you should find plenty of tutorials.