This article, provides useful troubleshooting tips, for the following error which you might get, under certain circumstances, when trying to connect to SQL Server from Python, using pyodbc: [IM002] [Microsoft][ODBC Driver Manager] Data source name not found and no default driver specified (0) (SQLDriverConnect).
Prior to sharing our tips for troubleshooting the issue, let’s discuss about the two main ways of connecting to SQL Server from Python.
Ways of Connecting to SQL Server from Python
In Python, there are 2 main ways for connecting to SQL Server, using the pyodbc module and Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server.
Specifying the Full Connection String in Python
The first way, is to define the full connection string in you Python code.
For example, in case you are using a username/password instead of a trusted connection, here’s a relevant example:
conn = pyodbc.connect('DRIVER={ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server};SERVER=server_name;DATABASE=database_name;UID=user;PWD=password')
In case you are using a trusted connection, here’s another relevant example:
conn = pyodbc.connect('DRIVER={ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server};SERVER=server_name;DATABASE=database_name;Trusted_Connection=yes;')
Referencing an ODBC System DSN
The second way, is to reference an ODBC DSN.
Here’s a code example, that references and ODBC DSN:
conn = pyodbc.connect('DSN=mynewdsn;UID=user;PWD=password')
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Troubleshooting the Issue
The error message we are examining in this post, indicates that we are trying to connect to SQL Server, using the second method, that is referencing an ODBC DSN and the process fails.
In this case, we can further troubleshoot the issue, by performing the below checks.
Check 1 – Verify that the DSN Name is Valid
Check in ODBC Data Source Administrator that the DSN exists with the exact same name you are referencing it in your Python code.
Additionally, you must check that the DSN indeed works.
For checking the DSN:
- 64-bit ODBC Data Source Administrator if you are using a 64-bit version of Windows:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\odbcad32.exe
- 32-bit ODBC Data Source Administrator if you are using a 32-bit version of Windows:
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\odbcad32.exe
Check 2 – Verify that the DSN is Correctly Referenced in Python Code
If the DSN uses a username/password, you need to also specify it in your Python code as per below example:
conn = pyodbc.connect('DSN=dsn_name;UID=user;PWD=password')
If the DSN uses a trusted connection, you need to also specify it in your Python code as per below example:
conn = pyodbc.connect('DSN= dsn_name;Trusted_Connection=yes;')
If None of the Above Helps
If none of the above helps, then you may consider instead of using a DSN, to define the full connection in your Python code (see first way above).
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Reference: SQLNetHub.com (https://www.sqlnethub.com)
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Artemakis Artemiou is a seasoned Senior Database and AI/Automation Architect with over 20 years of expertise in the IT industry. As a Certified Database, Cloud, and AI professional, he has been recognized as a thought leader, earning the prestigious Microsoft Data Platform MVP title for nine consecutive years (2009-2018). Driven by a passion for simplifying complex topics, Artemakis shares his expertise through articles, online courses, and speaking engagements. He empowers professionals around the globe to excel in Databases, Cloud, AI, Automation, and Software Development. Committed to innovation and education, Artemakis strives to make technology accessible and impactful for everyone.