Question

I am using SQL 2005 Server Express.
How can I setup a linked server to an MS Access 2000 database?

Answer 1

Take a look at sp_addlinkedserver in Books Online.

EXEC sp_addlinkedserver 
  @server     = 'linked server name',
  @srvproduct = 'Access',
  @provider   = 'Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0',
  @datasrc    = 'C:\path\file.MDB';

You may also need to use sp_addlinkedsrvlogin to associate a user/login with the linked server. Also, if you are using Access 2007, you may need to use an alternate provider:

  @provider = 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0',

And finally, if you are on a 64-bit operating system, you may run into issues.