64-bit Java can't access 32-bit MS Access database via ODBC

7
votes

I've got a new 64-bit laptop and have installed STS 64-bit and Java 64-bit. I'm trying to create an ODBC connection to a 32-bi Microsoft database; however the default Admin tools don't provide a driver for access. After googling around, I saw that there's an admin tool for creating 32-bit drivers located in C:\Windows\SysWOW64\odbcad32.exe. However, an ODBC connection created from that that gives me an error message indicating an architecture mismatch when I run the program:

"[Microsoft][ODBC Driver Manager] The specified DSN contains an architecture mismatch between the Driver and Application"

I think it's because the 64-bit Java is trying to use the 32-bit driver. To get around the problem, I tried to put the argument "-D32" in the VM arguments, but got the same result.

I'm thinking of uninstalling STS and Java and replacing them with the 32 bit versions. Is there a better solution?

1
javams-accessodbc64-bit
There is a free 64 bit driver for MS Access, would that suit? microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=13255 – Fionnuala
I just read up on it, but the users are saying it's buggy. – Jack BeNimble
Which users? It is two years old at this stage and and the 2013 version is on the way. I would imagine that any comments on buggy-ness are from the past. – Fionnuala
The link you provide says it's for exchanging data for office 2010 apps, but I'm running 2007. It also says it's a distribution of the Jet engine - I'm not sure what impact that would have on my existing Access install. – Jack BeNimble
@Remou Wrong suggestion - that 64 bits drivers could be installed ONLY if Office 64 bit is previously installed on the system – Nenad Bulatovic

1 Answers

3
votes

To load a 32-bit native library you need to have a 32-bit JVM.

You don't need to uninstall Java, you can have as many version installed as you like.

You can use your 64-bit JVM to talk to a 32-bit JVM which loads your driver, but this may be more complicated than you need.