> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.auxalia.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.auxalia.com/plant-tools/plantlink/how-to-use/link-configurations/use-ms-access.md).
# Use MS Access
In this chapter we describe how you use Microsoft Access as the data source.
When using SQL-Server, MS Access, or MS Excel you have to use a Windows UDL file.
A link with the project created during this chapter is at the end of this chapter.
Creating an UDL file
When you start to create a new link configuration you use **OleDb data source (UDL)**.
After clicking on Browse you choose a location for your UDL file and type in a file name. In this example the UDL file will be created in the project's **Related Files** folder.
Next the Windows **Data Link Properties** dialog pops up. If you need more info or support for this dialog use the **Help** button.
By default there is no **Provider** for MS Access. You can download the Microsoft Providers under the following link: After selecting your language you can then download the **Provider**. Make sure, that you install the 64Bit version.
After installing the **EXE** you can select the **Provider** shown in the image below. Over time there may be newer versions you can install.
Under the **Connection** tab you copy the path + file name of your MS Access Database. If the database is in same location as the UDL file, then you can simply use the file name with extension. However, the **PlantLink Wizard** will also take care of it as you will see below. Finally, you should click on the **Test Connection** button to make sure the Data Source can be connected to.
You will get this success message.
In the **PlantLink Wizard** you will now see the path and file name of your new UDL file.The Wizard checks if the path to the UDL file can be change to a relative path. This makes it easier in case you later want to copy the project. Then there is no need to adapt the Link Configuration.
All following pages in the **PlantLink Wizard** are the same as when using SQLite database as described for example under [Create an Update Link](/plant-tools/plantlink/how-to-use/link-configurations/create-an-update-link.md).
Editing an UDL file
If you want to edit the UDL files you simply click on the **Edit** button. This opens the **Data Link Properties** dialog again. As mentioned above, if the MS Access Database is in the same folder as the UDL file, then the PlantLink Wizard will remove the path to the **Data Source**.
You can also just double-click on the file in Windows File Explorer which opens the **Data Link Properties** dialog too.
If you make changes outside the Wizard make sure you open the PlantLink main dialog and click on the Refresh button before testing, because PlantLink will not recognize changes to the Link Configurations (and in extension the UDL files) when they are already loaded on project load.
Using an existing UDL file
If you already have an UDL file you can use this as well. Maybe consider moving it under the project. To use an existing UDL file you click on the **Browse** button.
Now you can open the existing UDL file.
If possible, the Wizard will adapt the path to a relative path if possible (for the reasons described above).
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