ACC95: "Unable to open file. General Failure." Error Message

• Microsoft Access version 7.0

SYMPTOMS

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

In Microsoft Access version 7.0, if you try to insert an object from the Object command on the Insert menu (such as a Microsoft Paint image or a Microsoft Word 7.0 document object) and if the file name of that object exceeds 127 characters, you may receive the following error message:

   Unable to open file
   <<filename>>. General Failure

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, instead of using the Object command on the Insert menu, copy and paste the object. Or, use a shorter file name for the object.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Access 7.0. This problem no longer occurs in Microsoft Access 97.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. Create a Microsoft Paint image.

2. Save it with a file name greater than 127 characters.

3. Start Microsoft Access 7.0.

4. Create a new blank form in Design view.

5. On the Insert menu, click Object.

6. In the Insert Object dialog box, click to select Create From file.

7. Click the Browse button.

8. In the Browse dialog box, click the Paint .bmp file that you created in step 2, and then click OK. Note that you receive the error message mentioned in the "Symptoms" section.