ACC: "Unable to Load Communication Module" Error Message

• Microsoft Access versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0

SYMPTOMS

You receive the following error message:

   Unable to load communication module.
   Driver has not been properly installed.
   Unable to connect to data source.

CAUSE

When using database servers other than Microsoft SQL Server as the back- end, this error indicates that the communications module for that driver is not able to load. Please contact your ODBC driver vendor for more information.

If you're using Microsoft SQL Server, the error occurs because the DBNMP3.DLL file you are using may be old, you may have duplicate DBNMP3.DLL files on your system and the wrong one is being used, or the DBNMP3.DLL file you are using may be damaged or corrupted.

This error can also be caused by an incorrect [SQLSERVER] entry in your WIN.INI file. This entry should look like:

   [SQLSERVER]
   MY_SERVER=DBNMP3,\\MY_SERVER\PIPE\SQL\QUERY

RESOLUTION

In Microsoft Access version 1.0, the DBNMP3.DLL file installed by Microsoft Access version 1.0 is dated 9/15/92, has a size of 8241 bytes. In Microsoft Access version 1.1, the DBNMP3.DLL file is dated 5/26/93 with a file size of 9941 bytes. In both versions, this file should be installed in the Windows\SYSTEM directory.

MORE INFORMATION

It is possible that there are other situations that may indirectly cause the above error message to be displayed. To troubleshoot this problem, do the following:

• Use File Manager to search for multiple, corrupted, or outdated copies of these files:

        Filename     Date              Size
        -----------------------------------
  
        ODBC.DLL     10/16/92 or later (44736 bytes)
        SQLSRVR.DLL  10/16/92 or later (135792 bytes)
        NETAPI.DLL   depends on the network being used
        COMMDLG.DLL  10/25/92 or later (89248 bytes)
  
        NOTE: The sizes and dates referenced are correct if the files
        are installed by Microsoft Access version 1.0.
  
  

• Make sure the files listed above are in their appropriate locations. All of the files except NETAPI.DLL are usually installed in the Windows\SYSTEM subdirectory. The NETAPI.DLL file is a network specific driver,usually located in the network's program directory. This file should be in the path.
• Use another application, such as Q+E, SAF, or PowerBuilder, on the same machine to attempt to attach to the same data source. If you cannot access the data source from another application, then it is probably a problem with the network, such as NETAPI.DLL, or a problem with the server, not with Microsoft Access or ODBC.
• Attempt to attach to another data source, if available, such as another SQL server. If you can attach to another server, then the original server may be down or you may need to reconfigure the entry for that server using the ODBC Administration Utility.
• Attempt to attach to the same data source from another machine. If you cannot access the SQL server from another machine, it may indicate a network-wide problem or that the server is down or not communicating.
• Try increasing your ODBC timeout settings in the ODBC section of the MSACCESS.INI file.
• Check with the system administrator to see if the SQL server is up, available for transactions, and operating properly.
• Reinstall ODBC after performing a clean boot and renaming the ODBC.DLL, DBNMP3.DLL, and SQLSRVR.DLL files.

REFERENCES