Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) is a set of software components used by applications to provide a means of accessing data. MDAC is not a 'single' product, but a collection of core files
If not correctly installed, MDAC files can damage the operating system to the point of requiring a re-installation of the operating system.
- Consider MDAC as an 'all or nothing' package
- Do not install files shipped by MDAC outside the loop of the MDAC installer
- Singly replacing MDAC files can damage the operating system
- Custom installation packages should only install MDAC through a merge module that runs Mdac_typ.exe
Tools and Other Considerations
If an operating system installs a version of MDAC, any subsequent release of that version of MDAC can only be installed on the operating system using an operating system service pack
Because MDAC 2.5 RTM was installed by an operating system, MDAC 2.5 SP1, MDAC 2.5 SP2, and all later service packs must be installed using an operating system service pack even if a standalone version of MDAC is available.
MDAC Road Map http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnmdac/html/data_mdacroadmap.asp
MDAC Installation http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnmdac/html/data_mdacinstall.asp
Microsoft Data Access Web site http://www.microsoft.com/data/
MDAC Release Manifests http://www.microsoft.com/data/mdac21info/manifest_intro.htm
