wine users - May 2011 - Excel 2007 Data Source Connection problem

Hi

I am new ubuntu user. I am running Excel 2007 somewhat successfully in WINE 1.2.
I'm not sure if this is a wine/excel problem or my lack of linux
skill/knowledge.

When I try and add a new Data source:
Data - From Other Sources - From SQL Server. Regardless of what I type in the
"Server Name:" dialog box, it says,

Unable to connect to data source. Reason: Unable to locate database server.
Verify that the database server name you entered is correct, or contact the
database administrator for help.

I'm not sure that this feature is possible in WINE even. In windows I could
just type server\server into this box and it would find it on the network no
problems.

Is there something I'm missing or is this not possible?

Thanks in advance.

Rubilac wrote:
> Unable to connect to data source. Reason: Unable to locate database server.
Which DB are you trying to connect to? Have you installed ODBC drivers for it?

It is a mssql on a ms server 2008 box on the local network.

Thanks very much for the information. Like I said before, I am new to the
environment. Coming from windows certain things are taken for granted and done
for you, part of the reason I have switched to Linux, so I can learn more. I do
appreciate your help and advice.

Comments like:

"Did you actually search for information about ODBC before posting here? 
I suspect not. "

are not as necessary as you may think.

Thank you regardless.