DSN File Extension

DSN file icon

Database Source Name Format

What is a DSN file?

Database Source Name Format, identified by the DSN extension, is a Settings Files type and includes 1190 files.

Cadence, the developer of the Database Source Name Format (DSN), has released file format and 3 programs designed to handle them.

DSN files are compatible with various operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows and Linux. There are 5 programs available to import a DSN file, including popular tools like ODBC Administrator Tool, ODBC Data Source Administrator and Microsoft Access.

File Signature

HEX code: 5B 4F 44 42 43 5D 0D 0A 44 52 49 56 45 52 3D. ASCII code: [ODBC] DRIVER=.

How to open a DSN file?

If you are having trouble opening a DSN file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.

ODBC Administrator Tool, ODBC Data Source Administrator and Microsoft Access are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with DSN files. If you wish to install the latest release of ODBC Data Source Administrator, visit the official Microsoft portal and download the edition that works on any operating system.

Once ODBC Data Source Administrator is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening DSN files.

Set ODBC Data Source Administrator as the default DSN handler

Setting a default program by file type in Windows

  1. Right-click on your DSN file and choose the "Open With" option. Then click "Choose another app" to continue the process;
  2. In the pop-up window, find and select the ODBC Data Source Administrator application from the available options;
  3. Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening DSN files.

Choose an app to open a file on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + left click on the desired DSN file to launch the file options menu;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
  4. In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for ODBC Data Source Administrator. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.

Convert to and from DSN

If a DSN file is cumbersome, converting it to formats such as PDF, PCB, STD, BRD or other supported types can make it easier to manage.

Converting a DSN file may not fully retain all functionality, but it is generally possible to return it to the original format.

Convert DSN to other file formats

Converting Files to DSN Format

Effective solutions for DSN file problems

If DSN files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.

What are the possible solutions to recover a corrupt DSN file?

Start a data recovery program and open the damaged DSN file. Go to the menu and select the "Repair" option to repair the file. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged settings files.

Are there any symptoms that my DSN file is damaged?

Corrupted DSN settings files may show the following signs:

  • Opening the file in ODBC Data Source Administrator or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
  • Error dialogs are displayed when interacting with the file;
  • Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
  • Unexpected expansion of the total size of the DSN file;

What are the possible causes of ODBC Data Source Administrator crashing?

The absence of software updates can cause ODBC Data Source Administrator to crash. It is recommended to install the latest available updates for Microsoft products.

Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.