ACC2: Attach Tables on a CD-ROM or Write-Protected Media

• Microsoft Access version 2.0

SYMPTOMS

Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

When you attempt to attach to a table from a database on a read only drive, a write protected diskette, or a CD-ROM in Microsoft Access version 2.0, you may receive the following error message:

   Couldn't lock file; SHARE.EXE hasn't been loaded

CAUSE

The database file's Read-only attribute is set to False.

RESOLUTION

Set the Read-only attribute of the database file (.mdb) before copying the file to the CD-ROM or diskette. Also, do not include the database's .ldb file. For example, if your database is named Myapp.mdb, do not include Myapp.ldb on the CD-ROM or diskette. Include only Myapp.mdb on the CD-ROM or diskette.

Steps to Set the Read-only Attribute

1. Start File Manager.

2. Locate and then select the .mdb file.

3. From the File menu, choose Properties.

4. If the Read-only check box is not checked, click to select the check box to set the file to Read-only.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Start Microsoft Access version 2.0.

2. Create a new database and add a table. Save the database, and then copy it to a diskette. Make sure the .ldb file is not on the diskette with the .mdb file.

3. Set the write-protection tab on the diskette.

4. Start Microsoft Access and open the sample database Northwind.mdb

5. Click Attach Table on the File menu. Select Microsoft Access and click OK.

6. Select the database you just created. Note that you receive the error message mentioned in the "Symptoms" section.

   NOTE: The symptoms described above occurs only when attaching or linking to a Microsoft Access version 2.0 database.

REFERENCES

For more information about read-only databases and .ldb files, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q151542
   TITLE     : ACC: Link Tables on a CD-ROM or Write-Protected Media
               (95/97)

   ARTICLE-ID: Q88649
   TITLE     : ACC: Opening Databases As Read-Only Causes Error Message

   ARTICLE-ID: Q116387
   TITLE     : ACC: "Couldn't lock file; SHARE.EXE hasn't been loaded"
               Error

   ARTICLE-ID: Q109957
   TITLE     : ACC: Introduction to .LDB Files (1.x, 2.0)