MSQuery: No Tables Appear in Add Tables Dialog Box

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
• Microsoft Query for Windows, version 1.0
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Query for Windows 95, version 2.0
• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Query 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to query a Microsoft Access database using Microsoft Query or the Get External Data command in Microsoft Excel, the Add Tables or Choose Columns dialog box may appear blank.

You may also receive the following error message:

   This data source contains no visible tables.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if you use a Microsoft Access database and a folder with the same name in the same directory. For example, the Add Tables or Choose Columns dialog boxes appear blank if a folder named "Northwind" and a Microsoft Access database named "Northwind.mdb" exist in the same directory, as in the following example:

   C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Samples\Northwind
   C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Samples\Northwind.mdb

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, do not use a folder and a Microsoft Access database with the same name in the same directory.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.