ACC: Can't Change Working Directory to Default

• Microsoft Access version 7.0, 97

SYMPTOMS

When you start Microsoft Access, you may receive the following error message:

   Microsoft Access can't change the working directory to <Default
   Database Folder>

If you click OK or press ENTER, Microsoft Access opens.

CAUSE

You receive this error message if either of the following conditions is true:

• The Default Database Folder property is not pointing to a valid path.
• The path is longer than 260 characters.

RESOLUTION

Make sure that the drive is valid and that the path is 260 or fewer characters in length.

MORE INFORMATION

To check the default folder for Microsoft Access, follow these steps:

1. Start Microsoft Access and open any database.

2. On the Tools menu, click Options.

3. In the Options dialog box, click the General tab. Note the path in the Default Database Folder box.

You can also set a default folder to ".\subfolder" (without the quotation marks). This sets the default to a subfolder under the Microsoft Access startup folder called "Subfolder." Or you can specify a complete path to a different folder.

REFERENCES