XL98: Problems Adding dBASE Database in Microsoft Query

• Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you try to query a database in Microsoft Query using the dBASE ODBC driver, one of the following problems occur:

Errors Adding a Table

One of the following error messages appear

   The table name <database> was larger than
   SQL_MAX_TABLE_NAME_LEN from SQLGetInfo(8).

-or-

   Field not found: <fieldname>

When you click OK, you are unable to add tables to your query.

Unable To See Database File

In Microsoft Query, when you attempt to add a table your dBASE database file is not listed.

CAUSE

Errors Adding a Table

The SQL_MAX_TABLE_NAME_LEN error message occurs when you do the following:

• You create an ODBC User data source and you do not enable Long File Names in the ODBC Setup PPC.

  -and-

• The database file you select contains a space in the name or the name is greater than eight characters.

  -and-

• You use the Query Wizard in Microsoft Query.

• The database file you select contains a space in the name.

  -and-

• You use the Query Wizard in Microsoft Query.

Unable To See Database File

Your database file will not appear in the Add Tables dialog box when you try to add a dBASE database that was created or saved in Excel.

NOTE: this problem does not occur when you use the Query Wizard. A file saved with a .DBF file extension will be visible in the Query Wizard.

WORKAROUND

Use the workaround appropriate to the specific problem you experience:

SQL_MAX_TABLE_NAME_LEN Error Adding a Table

If you receive this error adding a table to Microsoft Query, do not use the Query Wizard when opening a database in Microsoft Query. This error does not appear if you do not use the Query Wizard.

 -or-

Field Not Found: <fieldname> Error Adding a Table

If you receive this error in the Query Wizard while adding columns, remove the space character from the name of your database file. As an alternative to a space use an underscore character (_).

 -or-

 -or-

Unable to See Database File

If your database does not appear in the Add Tables dialog box, do the following to correct this problem:

If you have not created a User DSN, do so. In the ODBC Data Source Administrator, click your User DSN and click Configure. On the Mac File Types tab, make the following changes:

1. Set the File Creator Type to XCEL.

2. Set the Database File Type to BINA and click OK.

STATUS

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