How to Add a New Provider in SQL Server Management Studio for Linked Servers

If you are looking to link to a remote server using SQL Server Management Studio, you need to add a new data provider to your server objects -> Linked Servers. Whether you are a beginner or need help adding a new provider, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide we will walk you through the process step by step and also how to add the Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine provider (Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0).

To add a new data provider in SQL Server Management Studio and link it to a remote server, you can follow this step by step tutorial

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Connect to the SQL Server instance where you want to add the data provider.
3. Expand the Server Objects node in the Object Explorer.
4. Right-click on Linked Servers and select New Linked Server.
5. In the New Linked Server window, specify the following information:
   • Linked server: the name you want to give to your linked server.
   • Server type: the type of remote server you want to link. Choose Other data source if your data provider does not appear in the list.
   • Provider: the name of the data provider you want to use. If your data provider does not appear in the list, click on the New Provider button to add a new data provider.
6. In the New Linked Server – New Provider window, specify the following information:
   • Provider type: the type of data provider you want to add.
   • Provider name: the name of the data provider.
   • Product name: the name of the product that implements the data provider.
   • Data source: the name of the dynamic library file (DLL) that implements the data provider.
7. Click OK to close the New Linked Server – New Provider window.
8. Click OK to close the New Linked Server window.

Once you’ve added a new data provider, it will be available in the list of available providers when you create a new linked server. However, if you’re unable to find the OLE DB data provider Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine in the list of available providers in SQL Server Management Studio, it’s likely because this data provider is not currently installed on your computer

Here are the steps to install the OLE DB data provider Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine:

1. Download the appropriate installer for your version of Office from the Microsoft website.
2. Install the installer by following the on-screen instructions.
3. In SQL Server Management Studio, go to Server Objects > Linked Servers.
4. Right-click on Linked Servers and select New Linked Server.
5. In the New Linked Server window, select Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine from the list of OLE DB data providers (Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0).
6. Specify other required information, such as the name of the linked server, the name of the data source, etc.
7. Click OK to create the linked server.

Now, when you reconnect to your SQL Server or refresh the Provider list, you should see the Microsoft Office 12.0 Access Database Engine OLE DB data provider. However, be careful to install the right package (32 or 64). In any case, if you make a mistake, it does not affect your SQL instances.

Always keep in mind that optimizing your SQL queries is essential to preserving good database performance. Don’t miss our article on optimizing SQL performance for more information on optimizing SQL queries.

References:

• SQL Performance Optimization: https://www.sentryone.com/blog/sql-server/sql-performance-optimization-tips

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