Caution: This procedure requires advanced operating system knowledge. Incorrect registry changes can cause system issues. Always back up your data first.
Caution: Sage support doesn’t assist with third‑party products, hardware, or custom report configurations.
Note: This setup isn’t guaranteed on all operating systems, and Sage support doesn’t troubleshoot this configuration.
Note: Crystal Reports Online Manual includes similar steps in Appendix C, “Creating a Silent Connect DSN.”
Create a new ODBC data source
You must create a new data source. Don’t use SOTAMAS90, as Sage 100 reserves it.
Open Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Data Sources.
On 64‑bit systems, run ODBCAD32.EXE from C:\Windows\SysWOW64.
Select the User DSN tab, then click Add.
Choose MAS 90 4.0 ODBC Driver, then click Finish.
Configure the ProvideX ODBC driver
Enter the required connection details.
Enter a unique Data Source Name (DSN) such as SOTAMAS90_silent.
Avoid spaces in the DSN name.
Add a description.
Enter the database directory path to the ..\MAS90\ folder.
Note: Use the SOTAMAS90 DSN path if you don’t know the location.
Leave the Definition File field blank.
Set logon credentials
Switch to the Logon tab and enter credentials.
Enter a valid three‑digit Sage 100 Company Code in uppercase.
Enter the default User ID in uppercase.
Enter the user password if required.
Avoid spaces in the password. Change it in User Maintenance if needed.
Click OK, then close the ODBC Data Source Administrator and Control Panel.
Connect using the silent data source
Use your external application to connect to the new DSN.
The system retrieves data without prompting for login credentials.
Note: Some applications display User DSNs as machine data sources.
Configure advanced driver options
Disable dirty read
Default setting is enabled.
Disable this option for consistent data reads.
Disable burst mode
Default setting is enabled.
Turn this off for interactive applications.
NOTE:
Burst mode locks files during data fetch operations, improving report performance but affecting interactive access.