Using Flat File ODBC Databases Flat file ODBC drivers such as the Text, dBASE, Excel, and Paradox drivers may not perform well in multi-threaded situations. Multiple reading threads should perform as expected (i.e. mgiSearchDatabase). However, multiple writing threads could be refused when the flat file is locked for updates. Flat file ODBC drivers are only recommended for moderate-to-high traffic sites where very few updates or insertions are being performed.