LibreOffice Base — Setup Guide

Overview

LibreOffice Base connects to the JET endpoint using either its built-in PostgreSQL SDBC driver (libpq-based, no Java needed) or JDBC (with the PostgreSQL driver JAR on the classpath). The native driver is simpler — no JAR files, no classpath configuration. Both methods support extended query protocol and full DDL (CREATE/ALTER/DROP TABLE).

The JET server runs on a Windows machine (the Access engine requires Windows COM/DAO). LibreOffice Base can run on any platform — Windows, macOS, or Linux — connecting to the JET server over the network (or localhost:9432 if running on the same machine). The setup steps are identical across all platforms.

Setup — All Platforms

The steps are identical on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The same native PostgreSQL connector is available on all platforms.

1. Open LibreOffice Base

   Linux: libreoffice --base from terminal, or launch from app menu.
   Windows: Start LibreOffice, then File → New → Database.

   The Database Wizard appears.

2. Choose PostgreSQL Connection

   In the Database Wizard:

   • Select "Connect to an existing database"
   • From the dropdown, choose "PostgreSQL" (NOT "JDBC")
   • Click Next →

3. Enter Connection Settings

   You can either fill in the fields or use a connection string. The connection string method is simpler for non-standard ports and database paths:

   Option A — Connection string (recommended):

   Select "Connect directly" and enter:

   dbname=C:/Users/ronoh/PowerBI.accdb host=localhost port=9432

   Option B — Fill in fields:

   • Database name: C:/Users/ronoh/PowerBI.accdb
   • Server: localhost
   • Port: 9432 (default is 5432 — change it)
   Host is localhost: If the JET server is running on the same machine as LibreOffice, use localhost. If connecting from another machine, use the Windows host's IP address or hostname.

4. Test the Connection

   Click "Test Connection". LO Base prompts for credentials:

   • User name: admin
   • Password: any non-empty value (e.g. password)

   Expected: "The connection was established successfully."

5. Register and Save

   Click Next →, choose "Yes, register the database for me", then Finish. Save the .odb file (e.g. ~/Documents/PowerBI.odb on Linux, Documents\PowerBI.odb on Windows).

6. Verify Tables Load

   Click the Tables icon in the left sidebar. The 13 tables from PowerBI.accdb should appear: bi_date, bi_manufacturer, bi_product, bi_sales, bi_customer, etc.

   Double-click any table to open it in data view.

Connection String Reference

The libpq-style connection string format used by LO Base's native PostgreSQL driver:

dbname=C:/Users/ronoh/PowerBI.accdb host=localhost port=9432

Key parameters:

• dbname — full Windows path to the .accdb file (the JET server resolves this on the Windows host)
• host — localhost (or VM IP if not using port-forwarding)
• port — 9432 (JET endpoint default)
• Credentials: admin / any non-empty password (prompted at connection time)

Connection Methods — Native or JDBC

Both connection methods now work with the JET endpoint:

• Native SDBC (recommended): Uses libpq internally. No Java, no JAR files, no extra configuration. Accepts the database path directly: dbname=C:/Users/ronoh/PowerBI.accdb host=localhost port=9432. The native driver speaks both simple and extended query protocol.
• JDBC (alternative): Uses the PostgreSQL JDBC driver. Requires the postgresql-42.x.jar on the classpath. The JDBC Datasource URL is: jdbc:postgresql://localhost:9432/C%3A%2FUsers%2Fronoh%2FPowerBI.accdb. Extended query protocol is supported — preferQueryMode=extended is now the default.

Troubleshooting

Connection refused

Ensure the JET server is running on the Windows host. Check the server console for JET endpoint listening on 0.0.0.0:9432. From a remote client, verify the network path — the host must be reachable and the port open.

"The connection was refused" or timeout

Try 127.0.0.1 instead of localhost if IPv6 resolution is interfering. If connecting over a network, verify the Windows firewall allows inbound traffic on port 9432.

Tables list is empty

Check the server log on the Windows host for errors. If the server is running but no tables appear, go to View → Refresh Tables in LO Base. Verify pg_class queries are returning rows in the server log.

SSL / TLS errors

If the connection fails during TLS negotiation, the native driver may be attempting SSL when the server expects plain. The JET server accepts both — try reconnecting. The native driver typically negotiates this automatically.

Known Limitations

• Paste bug: On some Linux LO Base installations, Ctrl+V paste does not work in the JDBC Datasource URL field. Type the URL manually if paste fails.
• Query Designer: LO Base's graphical query designer may generate PostgreSQL-specific SQL. Use "Create Query in SQL View" for direct SQL entry.
• No per-user permissions: MS Access databases have no user accounts. The JET endpoint uses accept_all authentication — any user can query or modify any table.

Comparison: LO Base vs DBeaver