DataLink Dialog from ASP

Aj Horus

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Jan 24, 2006

27873

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An ActiveX control that allows ASP users to display datalink dialogs.

Download source - 278 Kb

Sample Image

Introduction

This ActiveX control allows the user to build a connection string from the data providers listed on a client machine. The ActiveX invokes the standard DataLink dialog that lists all the data providers and the parameters needed for a valid connection string. This dialog also tests the connection.

Using the code

dl: the ActiveX object that displays the DataLink dialog.
OpenDl: Opens the DataLink dialog.
connectin: string returned by the DataLink dialog.

VBScript is used for calling the ActiveX control methods.

  <HEAD>
    <title>Test Datalink Dialog from .Net</title>
  <meta content="Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 7.1" 
                                     name="GENERATOR">
  <meta content="C#" name="CODE_LANGUAGE">
  <meta content="JavaScript" name="vs_defaultClientScript">
  <meta content="http://schemas.microsoft.com/intellisense/ie5" 
                                          name="vs_targetSchema">
    
  <script language="vbscript">
    Sub cmdChange_Click        
      dl.openDl 
      document.forms(0).txtConnectionString.Value = _
                                     dl.connectin
    End Sub
  </script>
  </HEAD>
  <body MS_POSITIONING="GridLayout">
    <OBJECT id="dl" codeBase="dl.CAB#version=1,0,0,0" 
      height="0" width="0" 
      classid="CLSID:ED467200-646D-46ED-992A-418EC94C319F"
    VIEWASTEXT>
    <PARAM NAME="_ExtentX" VALUE="26">
    <PARAM NAME="_ExtentY" VALUE="26">
  </OBJECT>
  <form id="Form1" method="post" runat="server">
    <asp:TextBox id="txtConnectionString" 
    style="Z-INDEX: 101; LEFT: 16px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 64px"
    runat="server"></asp:TextBox>
    <INPUT TYPE="button" id="dlName2" 
    NAME="dlName2" VALUE="test" OnClick="cmdChange_Click"
    style="Z-INDEX: 102; LEFT: 176px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 64px">
    <asp:Label id="Label1" 
    style="Z-INDEX: 103; LEFT: 24px; POSITION: absolute; TOP: 32px" 
    runat="server" Width="344px" 
    Font-Size="Larger">Datalink Dialog</asp:Label>
  </form>
  </body>
</HTML>

Points of Interest

ActiveX is a complete new world for me. I am a hardcore .NET programmer. I used to dislike VB 6, but I have to admit, it is great for creating ActiveX controls. They provide full system access. A little risky if run over the Internet, but in specific environments (like intranets) they could be quite useful.

History

So far this is the first version, it was made for a specific client need. There are tons of improvements that can be made, however I don't have the time right now.