How to Set Up the Universe ODBC Driver

Set up the Rocket U2 ODBC driver to connect VDM to a UniVerse database through a Windows ODBC data source. This procedure covers driver installation, UCI configuration, a System DSN, and the VDM Connection Profile.

Trouble viewing images? Right-click an image and select Open image in new tab to view it at full size. Animated walkthroughs are included at the end.

Before You Begin

• VDM version 10 and later require the 64-bit ODBC driver. Choose driver architecture based on the application, not only the Windows version. See Understanding 32-bit vs. 64-bit ODBC Driver Configurations.
• Obtain the server address, database/account details, credentials, and appropriate VDM Platform selection from your database administrator or application provider.
• Have the administrator confirm that the UniVerse account and required files are accessible through ODBC.
• Confirm network access to the server’s UniRPC service. The default port is TCP 31438; your environment may use another port.
• Have permission to install the driver, edit its configuration, and create a System DSN.

This article covers the ODBC route. If you are using VDM’s separate Rocket U2 connection type, follow How to Create and Connect to a Rocket U2 Connection in VDM.

Driver Downloads

Confirm the compatible driver version before installing or replacing an existing driver. Rocket also provides client software information through Rocket U2 Clients and its Windows download request page.

The screenshots and animated walkthroughs show the original installation. Paths and dialog labels can vary with the installed driver version.

Step 1: Install the ODBC Driver

1. Run the Installer

Download the appropriate MSI package and double-click it to start installation. Accept the Windows elevation prompt if requested.

2. Complete Installation

Follow the installer’s prompts until installation finishes.

Step 2: Configure the UCI File

1. Locate the File

For the installation shown here, look for uci.config in C:\U2\UniDK\Config. Use the configuration location for your installed driver if it differs.

Make a backup of the existing file before editing it, then open it in a plain-text editor such as Notepad.

2. Enter the Server Configuration

Update the relevant UCI data source entry with the server information supplied by your administrator. Replace any placeholders in the supplied template and preserve the file’s syntax and unrelated entries.

Use your actual host and any required account or service settings; the screenshot values are examples. The Windows DSN and UCI entry must refer to the intended data source.

3. Save the File

Save your changes to the original uci.config file. Make sure the editor has not added a .txt extension or saved a second copy elsewhere.

Step 3: Create and Test a System DSN

1. Open the Correct ODBC Administrator

For VDM version 10 and later, open ODBC Data Sources (64-bit). You can also press Windows + R, enter %windir%\System32\odbcad32.exe, and select OK.

The 32-bit tool is %windir%\SysWOW64\odbcad32.exe. Use it only for a confirmed 32-bit application. Microsoft explains these paths in Check ODBC Driver Installation and DSN Configuration.

2. Select System DSN

Open the System DSN tab. If Windows requires elevation to make changes, reopen the ODBC Administrator with administrative rights.

3. Add a Data Source

Select Add.

4. Choose the U2 Driver

Select the installed U2 ODBC driver that matches the application architecture, then select Finish. If it is missing, check the driver installation and which ODBC Administrator you opened.

5. Enter the DSN Configuration

Give the DSN a recognizable name and enter the settings required by your installed driver. Use the server and UCI data source information provided for your environment.

6. Test and Save the DSN

Select Test Connection. Resolve any error before saving the completed DSN.

Step 4: Create the VDM Connection Profile

1. Open the Database Tab

Launch VDM and select Database on the ribbon.

2. Start a New Profile

Select New.

3. Choose the Connection Type

For the workflow shown here, select Select Platform, then select Next.

4. Select the DSN

Select the System DSN you created. If the list is empty, select Refresh List. If the DSN still does not appear, check its architecture and confirm it was created on this computer.

5. Enter the Server

Enter the server name used for the ODBC configuration.

6. Select the Platform

Choose the platform appropriate to your application, such as the ManageMed example shown. Confirm the selection with your application provider if needed.

7. Enter Credentials

Enter the Username and Password supplied for database access.

8. Test the VDM Connection

Select Test Connection. This checks the VDM configuration in addition to the driver-level test completed earlier.

9. Save the Profile

If the test succeeds, select Next, enter a recognizable profile name, and select Finish to save it.

10. Load and Open the Connection

Select Load All. Locate the profile in Tables and Fields, open it, and confirm that the expected tables and fields are available.

Verify the Setup and Troubleshoot

• ODBC test fails: Check the UCI entry, server address, connection service, port, credentials, and provider-specific settings.
• DSN is missing in VDM: Confirm the 64-bit driver and System DSN for VDM 10 or later, then refresh the DSN list.
• UCI configuration error: Confirm the driver is using the file you edited and that the data source entry and syntax are correct.
• Connection succeeds but data is missing: Ask your administrator to check account permissions and whether the required files are exposed through ODBC.
• Scheduler fails while manual reporting works: Check the driver, System DSN, configuration files, and permissions on the computer running the Scheduler Service.

Run a View and review its results before relying on the connection for reporting or automation. Rocket’s U2 ODBC Developer Guide (version 5.3.0) provides background on UCI configuration and making UniVerse data accessible through ODBC; use documentation matching your installed version for version-specific requirements.

Animated Walkthroughs

These original animations illustrate the four setup stages. Use the written instructions above for the driver architecture and configuration appropriate to your current environment.

Step 1: Install the ODBC Driver

Step 2: Configure the UCI File

Step 3: Create the ODBC Data Source

Step 4: Create the VDM Connection Profile

Need Help?

Contact your database provider or administrator for driver installation, UCI configuration, and server access assistance. For help using the configured connection in VDM, contact support@bridgeworksllc.com with your VDM version, driver version, DSN name, and error message. Do not include passwords.