---
sourceDocument: Xanadu API Reference
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/xanadu/api-reference

 Release :

    - xanadu

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Xanadu API Reference

ft:clusterId :

    - crapiref

bundleId :

    - crapiref

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Specify a connection string

# Specify a connection string {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Xanadu
* 
* Updated August 1, 2024
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

You can specify a connection string instead of defining a DSN.

## Before you begin

You must have administrator-level access for the Windows computer on which you want to specify a connection string.

## About this task

This is an alternative method of connecting with different instance URLs. See also [Create a new DSN](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/JibQFBHJUMAbGsKFYzb38w "Use the ODBC driver and the ServiceNow data source to create an unlimited number of DSNs configured to connect with different instance URLs.").  
A connection string must follow this format:

    Driver=ServiceNow ODBC driver 32-bit;ServiceName=ServiceNow_ODBC;UID=youruser;PWD=yourpassword;ServerDataSource=ServiceNow;CustomProperties=url=https://<instance>.service-now.com

The
driver name varies depending on whether you use the 32-bit or 64-bit version of the
ODBC driver. To determine your driver name, do the following.

## Procedure

1. In Windows, navigate to StartProgramsService-now ODBCODBC Administrator.
2. Select the System DSN tab.
3. Note the value in the Driver column for the ServiceNow data source.
{#specify-connection-string__steps_omg_zgl_wbb}

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