DSN
Updated: 12/26/2023 by Computer Hope
DSN may refer to any of the following:
1. Short for Data Source Name, DSN is a symbolic name representing the ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) connection to an ODBC Data Source. The DSN contains the database name, directory, driver, user ID, password, and any other information needed to establish a connection.
When viewing the ODBC Data Sources in Windows, there are three DSNs. Below is additional information about each of them and their location in the registry.
- User DSN - A DSN created for a specific user and is only accessible to them. The User DSNs are stored in the registry under the key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Odbc\Odbc.ini\Odbc Data sources
- System DSN - A DSN that's used on the system where the program is located. The System DSNs are stored in the registry under the key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Odbc\Odbc.ini\Odbc Data sources
- File DSN - A DSN stored in a text file with a .DSN file extension. By default, these files are stored in the Program Files\Common Files\ODBC\Data Sources folder.
2. DSN (deep space network) is an international network for NASA, operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The DSN is comprised of antennas, radio, and radar astronomy observatories for the exploration of the solar system and universe.