Chapter 1: Before You Start
Check Versions and Choose 32-bit Programs
| Component | Tested version | Bitness |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 11 Pro, version 25H2, OS build 26200.6584 | 64-bit |
| APPX engine | 5.5.2 | 32-bit |
| APPX ODBC gateway | 5.5.2 | 32-bit |
| Client ODBC driver | Supplied Dharma 9.01.0000 | 32-bit |
| ASQL Dictionary Importer | From the APPX 5.5.2 package; executable version 5.4.7.0 | 32-bit |
| WinSQL, Excel, Access, Crystal Reports and PowerShell | Releases specified in their recipes | 32-bit |
| LibreOffice Calc and Base | 26.2.6.3, after an update from the original 25.8.7 x86 package | 32-bit |
Choose the driver and ODBC Administrator that match the client application's bitness. The engine and gateway are separate components connected over the network. The installation, ASQL import, WinSQL and Excel checks cover the combination above. Use the specified ODBC (RDO) SQL command for Crystal Reports and read the Access failure note before choosing that client. The LibreOffice recipes include profile registration and saved-file refresh. A different APPX release or bitness needs its corresponding installation and client recipe.
The tested configuration uses Windows 11 Pro, version 25H2, OS build 26200.6584 (64-bit), verified on October 15, 2026. The clients are WinSQL 15, Microsoft 365 version 16.0.20430.20182, and Crystal Reports 2016 SP9 Patch 21. Every ODBC client and its driver in this recipe must be 32-bit, even though Windows is 64-bit.
Which client routes worked
| Client | Result for this 5.5.2 configuration | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| WinSQL 32-bit | Seven records and all nine fields returned. | Query COUNTRY |
| Excel 32-bit | Fresh import and saved-workbook reopen/refresh passed; all seven records and nine fields agree. | Load and refresh |
| PowerShell 32-bit | Query objects, parameters, exports and diagnostics passed. | PowerShell recipes |
| LibreOffice Base 32-bit | Direct SQL saved query and fresh reopen passed; table browsing and parsed SQL failed -20217. | Base connection and query |
| LibreOffice Calc 32-bit | Native import, saved-file reopen/password/refresh and all seven records/nine fields passed. | Calc import and refresh |
| Crystal Reports 2016 | ODBC (RDO) SQL command, saved report, PDF export and fresh reopen/refresh pass seven records and four fields. | Create a direct ODBC report |
| Access 32-bit | Import failed on repeated attempts. Nearest verified success: 5.5.3 with Dharma 14.01 x86. | Read the Access failure |
Matching and mixed versions
The matching 5.5.2 gateway and supplied Dharma 9.01 driver connected and read the SQL catalog in this environment. No client-driver replacement was needed for the verified ASQL, WinSQL and Excel route. Complete ASQL import and the full-value sample comparison before treating another combination as verified.
The tested official APPX engine contains the 5.5.2 build marker, compiled June 22, 2024. Its Windows file-resource version is the older 5,5,1,0 label; a folder name or that resource label alone does not identify the installed engine.
The ASQL executable in this 5.5.2 download reports 5.4.7.0. Keep the program delivered in the matching package; that file version does not mean that the wrong package was downloaded. Record the package hashes below when identifying an installation.
Use matching APPX engine and gateway releases as the starting point. A different driver or ASQL release needs its own DSN discovery, file listing, import and complete field-value checks. A newer ASQL program does not upgrade the gateway's field conversion or the APPX engine.