MSQuery: "Can't Access Table..." Using Shared Paradox Database

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Query for Windows, version 1.0
• Microsoft Query for Windows 95, version 2.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Query, when you add a Paradox table to a query, you receive the following error message if the table is already being used

   Can't access table <table_name>

CAUSE

This behavior occurs if you have not selected a network directory using the Select Network Directory in the ODBC Paradox Setup dialog box. A directory must be selected using this button, even if it is not a network directory, in order to access the same table from two different applications.

This behavior occurs whether the table is accessed on one computer from two different applications, such as from two instances of Microsoft Query, or the table is accessed on a network drive from two different computers.

Note that if you have the Exclusive check box selected in the Paradox Driver Setup dialog box, you receive the following error message when you add a table that is in use:

   Database in use, can't detach

WORKAROUND

To open a Paradox table in two different applications, or on two different computers, do the following:

1. Start the Control Panel and double-click the ODBC icon.

2. From the Data Sources (Driver) list, select the Paradox data source, and choose the Setup button.

3. In the ODBC Paradox Setup dialog box, choose the Options button.

4. Under Driver, clear the Exclusive check box.

5. In the User Name box, enter a user name. Note that you must enter a name in the User Name box before the Select Network Directory button becomes available. It does not matter what name you enter as the user name.

6. Choose the Select Network Directory. From the Directories list, select the name of the directory that contains the PARADOX.NET file. Note that if the directory you select does not contain a PARADOX.NET file, the Paradox driver creates one. Additionally, the directory you select does not have to be a network drive.

7. In the Select Directory dialog box, choose OK.

8. In the ODBC Setup dialog box, choose OK. Close the Data Sources dialog box, and close the Control Panel.

REFERENCES

For more information about the ODBC Paradox Setup Dialog Box, choose the Search button in the ODBC Paradox Driver Help and type:

   setup dialog box