XL5: Incorrect Directory for NWind Data Source

• Microsoft Query for Windows, version 1.0
• Microsoft Office for Windows, version 4.3-CD, 4.3c-CD

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Query, when you create a new query using the NWind data source, the directory in the Add Tables dialog box is the current directory, and .DBF files are not listed in the Table Name list.

If you change to the network server directory in the Add Tables dialog box to locate the Northwind Traders tables on the network server, (F:\MSOFFICE\MSAPPS\MSQUERY), this directory is used next time you use the NWind data source in the same session of Microsoft Query. However, when you close Microsoft Query, and then run it again, the directory for the NWind data source reverts to the current directory.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when you install Microsoft Query by running a workstation installation of Microsoft Office version 4.3-CD, or 4.3c-CD from an administrative installation (setup /a) on a network server. The behavior occurs because the path in the DataDirectory setting in the ODBC.INI file uses the universal naming convention (UNC). This causes the current directory to be used when you use the NWind data source, instead of the directory that contains the Northwind Traders sample data, the MSAPPS\MSQUERY subdirectory of the MSOFFICE directory on the network server.

WORKAROUND

To correct this problem, use the following steps to change the UNC path in the ODBC.INI file to the specific network server drive letter:

1. Use Notepad or another text editor to open the ODBC.INI file located in your Windows directory.

2. Locate the [NWind] section in the ODBC.INI file, and change the DataDirectory setting to read as follows

         DataDirectory=F:\MSOFFICE\MSAPPS\MSQUERY
   

   where F:\MSOFFICE is the directory on the network server drive that contains the Microsoft Office administrative installation.

MORE INFORMATION

Note that this behavior occurs only when you run a workstation installation from an administrative installation of Microsoft Office version 4.3-CD or 4.3c-CD. This does not occur with an workstation installation of Microsoft Office version 4.3 installed from floppy disks.

REFERENCES

For more information about The Northwind Traders Data, choose the Search button in Help and type:

   Northwind