DSN File Extension

What is DSN file?

DSN is a generic database file format used by various database program to conect to databases. DSN files stores information necessary for establishing a remoted connection with a database , including server address, ID and password, data source name, and database catalogue.

Data in text format

Data in DSN files are saved in plain text format; however, some database applications instead of DSN files use entries in Windows registry.

DSN files as a means of connecting to a database

ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) application drivers ues DSN for establishing connection to databases, for example, Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL Server database.

Programs which support DSN file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open DSN files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with DSN suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 02/23/2020

How to open file with DSN extension?

Being unable to open files with DSN extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Database Source Name Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with DSN files.

Step 1. Install Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports DSN files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Access, ODBC Administrator, Microsoft SQL Server) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator and update if needed

If you already have Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator installed on your systems and DSN files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator cannot handle files with DSN may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator.

Step 3. Associate Database Source Name Format files with Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator

After installing Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open DSN files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the DSN file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open DSN files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with DSN extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with DSN extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the DSN file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper DSN file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The DSN may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the DSN file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the DSN file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with DSN extension is complete and error-free

If the DSN file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the DSN file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Database Source Name Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support DSN files. Close all running programs and try opening the DSN file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Database Source Name Format file. It may be the case that the DSN files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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