Microsoft fixes broken ODBC connections

Microsoft has fixed a known issue affecting Windows apps using ODBC database connections after installing the November 2022 Patch Tuesday updates. This issue impacts both client and server Windows platforms, from Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 up to the latest released Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022. As Microsoft revealed in December, impacted apps might fail to connect to databases with the help of Microsoft’s ODBC SQL Server driver (sqlsrv32.dll) after installing the November Patch Tuesday updates.

Microsoft said today that this month’s Patch Tuesday updates address “a known issue that affects apps that use Microsoft Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll) to connect to databases.” “The connection might fail. You might also receive an error in the app, or you might receive an error from the SQL Server.”

Customers affected by this known issue who can’t immediately install today’s cumulative updates can use two methods to mitigate its impact and revive the broken apps:

• If your app is already using or able to use Data Source Name (DSN) to select ODBC connections, install Microsoft ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server and select it for use with your app using DSN
• ​If your app is unable to use DSN, the app will need to be modified to allow for DSN or to use a newer ODBC driver than Microsoft ODBC SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll).

Microsoft added today that “if you have implemented the above workaround, it is recommended to continue using the configuration in the workaround.”

Contact Beringer Today!

At Beringer, we understand the latest updates and trends across Microsoft’s product lineup.  Reach out to our team if you have concerns or questions around how the “Broken” ODBC connections can affect your line of business applications.

Beringer Technology Group, a leading Microsoft Gold Certified Partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and CRM for Distribution also provides expert Managed IT Services, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Based Computing, Email Security Implementation and Training,  Unified Communication Solutions, and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment.