FAQ

How can I set Merak to use ODBC with MySQL

To use a MySQL database with Merak you must::

  1. Create a Database for Merak
  2. Create a System DSN (Data Source Name)
  3. Switch Merak to use the ODBC database

Details follow

Creation of a Database for Merak

  1. You have to create a database in MySQL to be used by Merak.
  2. Start the MySQL command line interface by typing "mysql -u <username> password <password>" to a command prompt.
  3. Enter CREATE DATABASE databasename - the following example creates database a database called "example"

    MySQL - Create DB

Create a System DSN

  1. Go to Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Data Sources (ODBC) - System DSN - Add

    The "Create New Data Source" dialog will open.

    MySQL - New DSN

  2. Choose the MySQL ODBC Driver.
  3. Click Finish.

    The "DSN Configuration" dialog will appear.

    MySQL - New DSN 2

  4. Complete as suits your installation. Descriptions of the fields follows:

DSN Information

Description

Data Source Name

Enter the name that you want to use for the Merak database

Description

Description of the Data Source Name

Host/Server Name (IP)

Enter the host name of the MySQL server, to which you want to connect. Use 'localhost' if your MySQL server is the same machine that hosts Merak, or a real hostname if it on a different machine.

Database Name

Enter the default MySQL database name (catalog name) to be used

User Name

Enter the user name for database access

Password

Password for the above user

Port

The TCP/IP port that the MySQL server is listening on. The default is 3306, but your installation may have changed this.

SQL Command On Connect

Optional SQL statement that will be executed when connected to server. This can usually be left blank.

Switching Merak to use ODBC

  1. Open Merak Configuration Console and go to the System -> Storage -> Accounts tab.

    Accounts Tab

  2. Select ODBC and click the ODBC Settings button.

    ODBCSettings

  3. Enter the DSN, Server, Username and Password that you specified when you configured the DSN
  4. Click the Test Connection button.

    MS SQL 2k - New DSN 8

    If you do not see the screen shown above then you may need to contact your system administrator to fix the problem.

  5. If all is well then click the Create Tables button. This creates the table structure within your database.
  6. Once the tables are created return to the System -> Storage -> Accounts tab and click the Convert to ODBC button to import your user mailboxes into your database.
  7. Press F5 to reload Merak and you have completed your conversion