Get db path outside of web app folder on server using Asp.Net

Question

I published a web app to a server and I would like to access a database file (.mdb) that is also stored on the server in a different location outside of mine. How can I do this in the web.config file of my Asp.Net app?

<add name="MyOleDbConnection" connectionString="Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;Data Source= **{?}** \inventory.mdb"/>

Can you define "outside of mine"? Do you mean that it's outside the root of the web application? — James Johnson
– James Johnson, Commented Sep 30, 2011 at 17:08

David · Accepted Answer · 2011-09-30 17:05:10Z

1

I don't believe you can do it from code, using anything like Server.MapPath() - and for good reason. This would allow developers to write apps that take over host operating systems on cloud servers. You're restricted from determining the path of files/folders outside of the control of IIS to prevent directory traversal attacks.

You'll need to ask a SysAdmin, or someone who has access what the path is on that machine. Once you have the full path, you can set the full path in the .config

c:\path\inventory.mdb

instead of

\inventory.mdb

You will also need to make sure that the SysAdmin grants you permissions to access the .mdb.

answered Sep 30, 2011 at 17:05

David

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2 Comments

Troy Mitchel Over a year ago

My project is currently in a virtual directory and the .mdb file is in a directory outside of my virtual directory.

Troy Mitchel Over a year ago

Thanks, it worked. I called the SysAdmin and they gave me the complete path ouside the virtual folder.

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