Extracting Data into Excel (MariaDB ODBC)

Easy PC – Extracting Data into Excel (MariaDB ODBC)

Overview

Easy PC stores all application data in a MariaDB v10 database.

Direct database access can be provided for technical users who need to extract data or build custom reports in Excel or other spreadsheet tools.

The recommended method is via the MariaDB ODBC connector, allowing Excel to query live database tables.

1. Access Requirements

Database access must be provisioned by Easy PC.

You must provide:

• Your public IP address (for firewall whitelisting)

Easy PC will provide:

• Database name
• Username
• Password
• Server: mysql.gb.stackcp.com
• Port: A dedicated port (e.g. 34567)

Important: Access is restricted to a fixed IP addresses and specific port.

2. Driver Download (IMPORTANT)

Use the official MariaDB ODBC connector only.
You may need to select it from the list.

• Download MariaDB ODBC Connector

Licensing note

• The MariaDB ODBC connector is open-source (LGPL) and free to use.
• It is safe for internal business use with no licensing cost
• Avoid third-party ODBC drivers unless you have confirmed licensing, as many are commercial or trial-based

3. Compatibility Requirements

• Easy PC runs MariaDB v10
• Some generic or older SQL/ODBC drivers (e.g. limited OpenSQL variants) may not be fully compatible
• Ensure you install a current MariaDB ODBC driver (v3.x recommended)

4. Install the ODBC Driver

1. Download the correct version for your OS:
   • 32-bit Excel → 32-bit driver
   • 64-bit Excel → 64-bit driver
2. Run the installer (.msi)

The installer automatically registers the driver with Windows ODBC Manager [mariadb.com]

5. Configure the ODBC Data Source (DSN)

Open ODBC Administrator

• Search for:
  • ODBC Data Sources (64-bit)
    or
  • ODBC Data Sources (32-bit)
    (must match Excel)

Create a DSN

1. Go to:
   • System DSN (recommended) – use Admin rights
   • or User DSN
2. Click Add
3. Select MariaDB ODBC Driver
4. Click Finish

Enter connection details

Test connection

• Click Test Connection
• Click OK if successful

6. Connect Excel to MariaDB

1. Open Excel
2. Go to Data → Get Data → From ODBC
3. Select your DSN (e.g. EasyPC_MariaDB)
4. Click OK

Load data

• Use the Navigator to:
  • Select tables
  • Or run custom SQL queries

Click Load to import the data into your worksheet

7. Refreshing Data

• Go to Data → Refresh All to update data
• Excel will re-query the live database

8. Best Practice

• Use SQL queries to filter data before loading (improves performance)
• Avoid loading large full tables directly into Excel
• Ensure DSN architecture (32/64-bit) matches Excel exactly

9. Common Issues

Summary

• Access is provisioned by Easy PC
• Use the official MariaDB ODBC connector (free)
• Configure a DSN in Windows
• Connect via Excel → Get Data → ODBC
• Use SQL for efficient reporting