Create reusable table connections

Use the 64-bit PI System Explorer to configure connections to linked tables. It includes 64-bit OLE DB drivers, which are required for the 64-bit PI AF Server.

Create an OLE DB connection and reuse it to configure linked tables from the same data source.

1. In the navigator, click Library.

2. Choose from the following actions:

   • Select Table Connections and click New Table Connection on the toolbar.

   • From the browser, right-click Table Connections and click New Table Connection.

   Table connection properties are displayed in the viewer with a default name in the Name field.

3. Optional. Edit the default name and add a description for the table connection in the Description field.

4. In the Connection field, you can either enter a connection string directly, or click Build to configure the connection in the Data Link Properties window.

5. In the Provider tab of Data Link Properties, choose an OLE DB provider and follow onscreen instructions to configure the connection.

6. Depending on the provider selected, you may need to specify the data source and location, server name, user name, password, and/or database.

7. Click OK.

   The connection string for the reusable table connection is displayed in the Connection field.

8. If prompted, enter a password and click OK.

9. In the viewer, select a Security option.

   Some options may not be available.

   • Impersonate Client (recommended)

   • Supply Password

     Note: You can use the Change Password button to change the SQL Server password required for the table connection.

   • No additional security context

   See Authentication for linked tables for information on these options.

10. On the toolbar, click Check In to check in and save the table connection.