Tips to open DSN file

Can't open the DSN file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DSN files as well as a list of programs that support DSN files.

DSN file extension

File Name Database Source Name Format
File Category Database Files

The DSN file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DSN files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DSN file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is DSN file?

The file in the DSN format belongs to the Database Files category. In addition to this file, the Database Files category includes 403 related files. Database Source Name Format is most often found on 2 operating systems. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. There are also 3 alternative programs to handle the DSN file. The Microsoft Access, Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator, Microsoft SQL Server programs will also handle the file when the ODBC Administrator program does not fulfill its role.

How to open DSN file?

The main problem with Database Source Name Format is that the DSN file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open DSN, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DSN file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install ODBC Administrator

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that ODBC Administrator is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name ODBC Administrator into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open DSN files.

Step 2. Create association of ODBC Administrator with DSN files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the DSN file still does not use the ODBC Administrator program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the DSN file with the ODBC Administrator application.

Step 3. Update ODBC Administrator to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the ODBC Administrator program, it is possible that Database Source Name Format requires a newer version of the program.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DSN file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the DSN file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our DSN file. However, remember that not every infected DSN file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the DSN file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair DSN file corruption.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted DSN files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the DSN file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the DSN file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the DSN file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If nothing helps, please reset the device.